Accession NumberPG2020.2.54
TitleLibation Cup
Artist(s)Object Creation DateQing dynasty, Kangxi reign (1662 - 1722)Medium & Supportporcelain with glazeDimensions 2 3/8 in. (6.03 cm)
Credit LinePromised gift of William C. Weese, M.D., LSA ‘65Subject matterQilin, Wade-Giles ch't-lin, in Chinese mythology, the unicorn whose rare appearance often coincides with the imminent birth or death of a sage or illustrious ruler. (The name is a combination of the two characters
qi “male,” and
lin, “female.”) A
qilin has a single horn on its forehead, a yellow belly, a multicoloured back, the body of a deer, and the tail of an ox. Gentle of disposition, it never walks on verdant grass or eats living vegetation.
The first
qilin is said to have appeared in the garden of the legendary Huangdi (Yellow Emperor) in 2697 BCE. Some three centuries later a pair of
qilin were reported in the capital of Emperor Yao. Both events bore testimony to the benevolent nature of the rulers.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/qilin
Physical DescriptionA rounded triangular shaped libation cup with blue underglaze and green and orange overglaze designs on the side and a Qilin on edge.
Primary Object ClassificationCeramicCollection AreaAsianRightsIf 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
blue colors
green colors
libation cups
orange colors
porcelain (material)
qilin