Details
The jar is decorated with a continous scene of an immortal riding a qilin, led by two attendants holding flags, with bats and clouds to one side, above rocks and a plantain tree.
912 in. (24.1 cm.) high
Provenance
Private English Collection, acquired prior to 2010.
Special notice
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Lot Essay

The qilin is an auspicioius, mythical beast thought to be a symbol of luck, protection, prosperity, longevity and fertility. An Immortal is often depicted riding a qilin, as is the case on this jar, accompanied by flag carrying attendants.The fanciful depiction of this legendary creature changed over the centuries but by the Qing dynasty (1644–1911), qilin tended to have the head of a dragon, antlers of a deer, scales of a fish, hooves of an ox and the tail of a lion.

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