2 | BRONZE CENSER IN THE FORM OF A QILIN, INLAID WITH SILVER AND GOLD Song dynasty, 960-1279 Height: 35.5 cm | 14 in Click image for full-size version The qilin symbolizes longevity and good government – its ferocious aspect masking a benign and kindly temperament. This creature stands foursquare, with claws bared; it looks up with an open mouth exposing fangs – the eyes wild and bulging. Its head, with trumpet- like ears and pointed horn above a curled mane, is hinged below the chin and attached to the chest. Archaic designs, in alternating silver and gold against an intricate ground of silver wire, decorate the surface of the censer. This Song dynasty model follows in a long line of such inlaid animal sculpture – that originated in the Warring States period 475 – 221 BC, and continued through the Song and Ming dynasties. The mythical beasts were made in homage to an earlier artistic tradition, and it is of particular interest to be able to date this piece scientifically – for the study of the group as a whole. Similar examples: Later Chinese Bronzes by Rose Kerr, Bamboo Publishing Ltd in association with the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1990 – pages 16 and 17, plates 3, 4 and 5. The illustrated Song dynasty pouring vessel – in the form of a goose – is of the same very high quality in terms of the overall modelling and the mixed metal inlaid work. Figure 3 is an illustration of a goose taken from Bo gu tu lu (meaning ‘Drawings and Lists of Antiques’) compiled around 1123, and one of the many catalogues published at that time – inspired by an awakened interest in the past through excavation. Provenance: Lady Hesketh. CIRAM thermoluminescence test no. 0308-OA-58R, taken from the core of this bronze, confirms the dating.