Qilin Statue

Qilin (Kirin) is the mythical hooved chimerical creature known in Chinese and other East Asian cultures, said to appear with the imminent arrival or passing of a sage or illustrious ruler. Qilin are thought to be a symbol of luck, piece, good omens, protection, prosperity, success, and longevity by the Chinese. Qilin are also a symbol of fertility, and often depicted in decorations as bringing a baby to a family. Qilin is a specific type of the Lin mythological family of one-horned beasts. The name is a combination of the two characters qi “male,” and lin, “female.” Qilin has a single horn on its forehead, a yellow belly, a multicolored back, the hooves of a horse, the body of a deer, and the tail of an ox. Gentle of disposition, it never walks on verdant grass or eats living vegetation. The first Qilin is said to have appeared in the garden of the legendary Huangdi (Yellow Emperor) in 2697 BC. Some three centuries later a pair of Qilin were reported in the capital of Emperor Yao. Bo