On display

Figure of Qilin

mid 19th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Place of origin
Jingdezhen (made)

Figure of unicorn, painted in in purple and green overglaze enamels.

Object details

Categories
Ceramics
Porcelain
Object type
Figure of Qilin
Materials and techniques
Porcelain painted in overglaze enamels
Porcelain
Glazed
Painted
Brief description
Figure of Qilin, porcelain painted in overglaze enamels, China, Qing dynasty, mid 19th century
Physical description
Figure of unicorn, painted in in purple and green overglaze enamels.
Dimensions
  • Height: 12.1cm
  • Length: 10.2cm
  • Height: 115mm
  • Width: 114mm
  • Depth: 75mm
Style
Qing
Gallery label
(01/07/2023)
Keep off the grass

A qilin looks a bit frightening but it’s a peaceful and kind creature from Chinese stories. Qilin float along so they don’t squash the grass, and only punish people who misbehave.

Qilin figure
Unknown maker
About 1855
China
Museum no. 6943-1860

[Young V&A, Imagine Gallery, Adventure, short object label]
Object history
Purchased from a source not recorded in the Asia Department registers, accessioned in 1860. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Asia Department registers, as part of a 2022 provenance research project.
Production
label
Subject depicted
Mythological Beasts
Collection
East Asia Collection
Accession number
6943-1860

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Record createdJanuary 14, 2009
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O182854/figure-of-qilin-unknown/
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