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Qilin Delivering Sons

Chinese

Artwork Details

Qilin Delivering Sons
19th-20th century
Chinese
woodblock print on paper
19 1/2 in x 11 1/2 in (49.53 cm x 29.21 cm)
Gift of Sharlynn and Andrew Circo, in memory of Sotokichi Katsuizumi
2015/2.171

Description

Subject Matter:

Three figures are riding on an animal while holding an umbrella. This animal is known as Qilin, a mythical hoofed animal with dragon-like features, also sometimes known as a Chinese unicorn. The Qilin is supposedly a gatekeeper that guarded a fairy's cave in the mountains. This animal is known as a symbol to provide prosperity or serenity, and when it has babies on the back, such as this image, it is bringing extraordinary children from heaven to parents. 

Physical Description:

Image of three elaborately dressed figures riding an animal to the right with an umbrella above them. One larger/ older figure is in the middle with a younger/ smaller figure to the left and an even smaller/ younger figure to the right. 

Usage Rights:

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