Sculpture - Terracotta - China - Han Dynasty (206 B.C.- 220 A.D.)

CHINA - HAN PERIOD (206 B. C. - 200 AD) - 2nd century Qilin, raised head, mouth open showing his fangs. Terracotta under grey slip with residual polychromatic marks. Its horn is present and his ears are removable. An apparent hole is empty and should have contained a wooden element. The Qílín is a fabulous composite animal from Chinese mythology with many appearances. It generally shares characteristics with the "deer" (鹿) and the "horse" (馬) . It has a fur, scales or both, and either a pair of horns or a single one similar to a deer horn. He also has the power to give birth to a talented son who will do great things. It appears in texts (but not always in representations) with a single horn, therefore often called a "unicorn" in Western languages. Dating: 2nd century - Circa 150 Origin: Maître C. Mines’ former private collection, purchased by the current owner's father in the late 1970s, early 1980s. Art market. A similar piece is on display at the Hong-Kong Museum of Art (see photo) . Scientific analysis. TL conducted by the laboratory RALF KOTALLA, reference No. : 01R090118, based on three samples that resulted in 2000 years as a final date (+/- 20%) which corresponds to the later Han dynasty period. Shipping: For Belgium delivery will be hand-delivered by the seller. Fedex shipping for other destinations. ! ! ! Important ! ! ! When the piece requires so, a wooden/MDF box will be made, which will require 5 to 7 working days before shipment. Standard shipping fees apply for each item. Therefore, if a buyer purchases several items, these fees will be charged for each of them, regardless of the number of item purchased. Shipping with track and trace, transportation insurance set according to the amount of the sale without Catawiki buyer and seller fees. The seller guarantees that he acquired this piece in a legal manner. Documentation proving this provenance has been seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The authenticity of the item is unconditionally guaranteed.