10 | Pair of bronze qilins Kangxi period, 1662 – 1722 Height: 15 cm | 6 in Length: 14 cm | 5 1/2 in Click image for full-size version The mythical beasts are seated on their haunches, their front legs locked straight in a powerful stance. With heads turned to the right and left respectively, they look backwards – with open mouths exposing fangs, and wide bulging eyes that convey a most fearsome expression. These characteristics – combined with a mane and bushy tail – are those of a lion; however, the single horn to the crown of each beast and the oversize ears signify that the creatures are qilin – a combination of lion, deer and dragon – who, although ferocious in aspect, actually possess the kindest disposition. The latter quality is in accordance with the qilin’s role as a symbol of good government and longevity, and emblem of high rank. They are also symbolic of steadfastness, beneficence and a desire for blessings. The pair are illustrated freestanding, but they also have accompanying wood stands. Similar example: Kangxi, Yongzheng, Qianlong: Qing Porcelain from the Palace Museum Collection, Forbidden City Publishing, 1989 – plate 142 (within the Kangxi section), page 159 illustrates many similarities in the modelling of a turquoise porcelain mythical beast.