The Qilin Brings Sons (Pair with 1989/2.160)

Accession Number
1989/2.159

Title
The Qilin Brings Sons (Pair with 1989/2.160)

Artist(s)
Chinese

Artist Nationality
Chinese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
20th century

Medium & Support
woodblock print on paper

Dimensions
20 3/8 in x 12 3/16 in (51.8 cm x 31 cm);21 9/16 in x 13 3/8 in (54.8 cm x 33.9 cm);20 3/8 in x 12 3/16 in (51.8 cm x 31 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Willard A. and Marybelle B. Hanna



Subject matter
<!--td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}--> Two figures are riding a hoofed animal. 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
Two figures are seen riding a hoofed animal and they are facing left. The larger figure is holding the smaller figure, who is holding a red flower in his hand, and they are dressed in colorful and elaborate clothing. 

Primary Object Classification
Print

Primary Object Type
color print

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.

Keywords
children (people by age group)
human figures (visual works)
myths
qilin
son
unicorns

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& Author Notes

Web Use Permitted