{"product_id":"bronze-pair-of-qilin","title":"Bronze Pair Of Qilin","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis decorative pair of \u003cstrong\u003ebronze Chinese guardian qilin\u003c\/strong\u003e depicts the mythical creature with its characteristic horned head, powerful legs and body covered with overlapping scales. Each figure is seated upon a rectangular plinth, with one paw resting upon a decorative ball, and retains a richly aged dark surface with areas of warm gilt finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eqilin (麒麟)\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the most auspicious creatures in Chinese mythology. Often described as possessing characteristics of several animals, it is commonly represented with the body of a deer or ox, cloven hooves or claws, scales and one or more horns. Despite its formidable appearance, the qilin was traditionally regarded as an exceptionally gentle creature and is sometimes known as a \u003cem\u003erén shòu\u003c\/em\u003e (仁獸), or \u003cstrong\u003e\"benevolent beast.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e According to legend, it walked with such care that it would neither trample grass nor harm insects beneath its feet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe appearance of a qilin was considered a particularly favourable omen, associated with \u003cstrong\u003epeace, prosperity and wise or virtuous rule\u003c\/strong\u003e, and legends also connect its appearance with the birth or death of a great sage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese figures are \u003cstrong\u003emodern replicas rather than antiques\u003c\/strong\u003e, made in bronze and deliberately finished to give them the character and patina of older examples. Their substantial weight and wonderfully expressive faces make them an impressive decorative pair for an entrance, console or collection of Asian art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e China\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Modern reproduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bronze\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pair of mythical qilin guardian figures; scaled bodies; horned heads; decorative balls beneath the front paws; rectangular plinths; aged gilt finish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good condition with intentionally aged and distressed surface\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e W13 × D21 × H27 cm each\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4 kg each\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Indigo Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58501065507199,"sku":"C03139","price":495.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0217\/2522\/files\/Chinese_Bronze_Pair_Of_Qilin_C03139.jpg?v=1790169532","url":"https:\/\/www.indigo-uk.com\/products\/bronze-pair-of-qilin","provider":"Indigo Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}