A HETIAN JADE CARVING DEPICTING QILIN DELIVERING A BABY

JadeChina, Ming DynastyDimensions: Height 4 cm by 5 cmWeight: 69,1 gramsThe Qilin is a Chinese miraculous animal made up of the male part "Qi" and the femal part "Lin". Although looking like a grotesque mix of animals like tiger, bear, snake and other it is said to be a benevolent and gentle beast and worshipping it would bring about the birth of a son. This is a common depiction of a Qilin delivering a baby holding a lotus flower in one hand. The jade is of white and grey colour.