1662-1722
Plate
Artist/maker unknownImage 1 of 21 / 2
Depicted at the center of this plate is a qilin leaping through a landscape with a phoenix overhead. According to Chinese classical texts, the qilin is one of the four mythical animals—among the phoenix, tortoise, and dragon—that wield miraculous power. The appearance of the creature is considered an auspicious symbol of peace and the righteousness of a ruler.
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