Page 37 - MANDARIN & MENAGERIE: THE SOWELL COLLECTION, PART II

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A CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL QILIN-FORM CENSER
QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)

The mythical beast is shown mid-stride and rearing its head, with
teeth bared slightly and eyes bulging. The body is covered in scales
and its tufted tail is raised. A hinged opening is in the center of its
back along the raised spine.
9 in. (22.8 cm.) long

$10,000-12,000

PROVENANCE:

Christie’s South Kensington, 09 November 2007, lot 44.
The James E. Sowell Collection, Dallas, Texas.

Compare to another cloisonné fgure of a standing qilin, also with a
detachable cover on its spine, from the Palace Museum, Beijing which is
illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum -
43 - Metal-bodied Enamel Ware, Hong Kong, 2002, p. 168, pl. 160.
The qilin is an auspicious symbol of longevity, fertility and wise
administration, as it only appears during the reign of a benevolent ruler.
It is also associated with the Confucian virtue of ren, as it is benevolent to
all living creatures. When combined with a boy seated on its back the qilin
represents the bringing of illustrious sons.

清乾隆 掐絲琺瑯麒麟式熏爐

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