Late Qing Dynasty Spelter Chinese Qilin Sculpture

Item Details

A late Qing dynasty spelter Chinese qilin sculpture. The sculpture depicts a traditional Chinese mythical chimeric beast, the qilin, with an open, fanged mouth, horned head, scaly body, hoofed feet, and a flaming tail. The piece is cast with a high zinc content and iron and features a removable tail.

Provenance
Collected in the late 19th and early 20th century and donated to a Private Midwestern Institution in 1938
Sold to enhance and preserve the Institution’s mission-relevant Collections

Condition

visible corrosion overall consistent with age

Dimensions

Item #

17COL077-231