Author:
Unknown
Name:
Vessel in the form of the mythical animal qilin
Creation time:
Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
Place of origin:
China
Material:
copper alloy
Size:
h – 16.2 cm; w – 19.5 cm
Inventory #:
838 ДВ
Source origin:
From the collection of J. Segel, 1955
publications:
Bilenko, H. and Rudyck, H., The Khanenko Museum. Oriental Collection. A guidebook. Kyiv: Vital-Press, 2005.
Section:
Chinese art
Description
Vessels shaped as mythical animals were one type of wine containers. A jug in the form of quilin – the Chinese unicorn – has an auspicious symbolism. It is associated with the Chinese’s notion of this fantastic creature as an embodiment of peace, humanity, and just rule. Standing on the quilin’s back is a vase decorated with four bats, which amplify the vessel’s positive message. In Chinese, the word “bat” is a homophone for the word “happiness”.
Valeriia Yunda