A Chinese carved jade Qilin snuff box 19th / 20th century with small stopper inset to back, 4.92 in. length
- Kylin or Qilin - A kylin or qilin is a mythical Chinese animal, dating back to the 5th century with the head of a dragon, the body of a deer and the tail of a lion. It is a regarded as a good omen bringing serenity and prosperity, and is said to appear with the coming or departure of a wise sage or illustrious ruler.
It is also part of the culture of Korea and Japan.
As well as being represented in bronze and jade, it is also used as a decorative motif on ceramics.
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