Object insight

Throughout the Tales and Legends project, we are undertaking research to learn more about our collections to discover symbols, meanings and stories behind the objects. These insights are written by staff as well as volunteers and groups who are currently working on the project.

Jar: 1937.81.57

By Connie Thomas, Volunteer

This underglaze blue porcelain jar was made in China for export to Europe in 1645 to 1660. It can be seen on display in the Museum’s China Connection Gallery.

This jar depicts a qilin, a mythical creature in Chinese culture which is sometimes seen as a Chinese version of a Unicorn, although it differs from the unicorn as it has a very distinctive appearance, with a mixture of many different animals making its one body. The qilin has two horns and has a green or blue scaled deer’s body, a dragon’s head, horn and hooves and a bushy tail.

Many attributes of the qilin have become more exaggerated throughout the years as seen on this jar, this qilin has a very thick bushy tail and his hoofs are exaggerated by the position of his legs.

Many qilin were painted with dominating and ferocious characteristics, yet breathing fire and violence was only something the qilin would do when a pure natured person was challenged by a sinner. The qilin also made an appearance at special events like the birth and death of a great leader, seeing the qilin would be a sign of longevity and good fortune as it could live for up to two thousand years. It can walk on grass yet not trample the blades and it can also walk on water. It takes great care when it walks never to tread on any living thing, and it is said to appear only in areas ruled by a wise and benevolent leader.

As the qilin is seen as a powerful and honourable creature, it is symbolised in Buddhism as the ‘civilising book of law’ and they are often found guarding large prayer temples. The image of the qilin is still used today in Chinese culture when doing the hierarchy of dances; this involves carrying the large qilin head and having outbursts of energy, showing the same movement as the qilin in Chinese celebrations. When looking at the status of the different Chinese animals depicted throughout their history, the qilin comes second in rank to the Dragon and Phoenix.

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