The stone is carved as a recumbent qilin with its head slightly turned to one side. The stone is of rich-russet tone with some areas of white with grey inclusions.
1³⁄₄ in. (4.5 cm.) wide

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Lot Essay

The mythical qilin represents a number of wishes for good fortune, including benevolence, virtue, longevity, honour and effective administration. In fact, the qilin was so highly regarded in the iconography of Chinese art that the Kangxi emperor himself announced it as the symbol of highest rank for his military officials and hence it can be seen on the rank badges of the Qing dynasty's most senior figures. Qilin were said to have lived very long lives and the word 'qi' is a homophone for someone of old age. The current small jade carving therefore brings a wish for a long and considered life to the owner.