China - Exceptional High-relief Decorative Brick Depicting A Qilin - Ming Dynasty - Tl
An extremely rare high-relief facing brick depicting a mythological creature akin to a Qilin.
China – Ming Dynasty (1368–1644).
An exceptional high-relief facing brick or tile depicting a two-horned mythological creature resembling a Qilin. Captured in a pose of remarkable dynamism, the creature is shown with a compact body, its head raised and its maw wide open, exhaling a burst of energy. Its body is entirely covered in meticulously carved, stylized scales, ending in muscular legs and a sinuous, upturned tail that merges into a decorative motif of scrolls and auspicious clouds.
The front face reveals the sculptural power of this mythical beast, as well as the remarkably well-preserved three-colored pigments—a hallmark of prestigious architectural and funerary works. The profile highlights the extraordinary depth of the high-relief, which is almost entirely detached from its backing—a characteristic typical of frieze or lintel elements designed to ward off malevolent influences. The reverse consists of a dense, rough, grey terracotta matrix, bearing traces of detachment and natural earthen concretions, evidence of a long period spent underground. Presented on a removable stand.
The term "Qilin" refers to one of the four most sacred, benevolent creatures in Chinese mythology, alongside the dragon (Long), the phoenix (Fenghuang), and the tortoise (Gui). In the tradition of ancient China, the Qilin is a composite creature and a symbol of great auspiciousness. It represents the following:
The Qilin is considered the king of all furred animals. Unlike Western monsters, it is a profoundly peaceful and benevolent creature, endowed with great wisdom. Legend has it that the creature is so respectful of life that it refuses to step on even the smallest insect or crush a single blade of fresh grass, preferring instead to travel across clouds or water. Its presence is the ultimate sign that peace, harmony, and justice prevail in the world. It only reveals itself to humans during the reign of an exceptionally just ruler, or to herald the birth (or death) of a great sage. The most famous example in Chinese history concerns Confucius: tradition holds that a Qilin appeared to his mother shortly before his birth, prophesying the arrival of an "uncrowned king" who would transform Chinese thought.
During the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), this type of carved brick was used to adorn perimeter walls, monumental gateways, temple pavilions, and the tombs of high-ranking dignitaries. In this context, the Qilin symbolizes benevolence, prosperity, and elevated status (notably associated with high-ranking military officers).
The object is accompanied by a thermoluminescence test, which confirms its stated antiquity.
Origin: China.
Period: Ming Dynasty (1368–1644).
Dimensions: Height: 32 cm – Length: 32 cm – Width: 12 cm.
Condition: Excellent archaeological condition, with minor nicks and signs of wear consistent with its age. It retains superb traces of its original polychromy—including brick-red pigments and areas of green and greyish-white glaze or slip—which accentuate the creature’s vigorous relief and sacred ferocity.
Provenance: Private Belgian collection.
China – Ming Dynasty (1368–1644).
An exceptional high-relief facing brick or tile depicting a two-horned mythological creature resembling a Qilin. Captured in a pose of remarkable dynamism, the creature is shown with a compact body, its head raised and its maw wide open, exhaling a burst of energy. Its body is entirely covered in meticulously carved, stylized scales, ending in muscular legs and a sinuous, upturned tail that merges into a decorative motif of scrolls and auspicious clouds.
The front face reveals the sculptural power of this mythical beast, as well as the remarkably well-preserved three-colored pigments—a hallmark of prestigious architectural and funerary works. The profile highlights the extraordinary depth of the high-relief, which is almost entirely detached from its backing—a characteristic typical of frieze or lintel elements designed to ward off malevolent influences. The reverse consists of a dense, rough, grey terracotta matrix, bearing traces of detachment and natural earthen concretions, evidence of a long period spent underground. Presented on a removable stand.
The term "Qilin" refers to one of the four most sacred, benevolent creatures in Chinese mythology, alongside the dragon (Long), the phoenix (Fenghuang), and the tortoise (Gui). In the tradition of ancient China, the Qilin is a composite creature and a symbol of great auspiciousness. It represents the following:
The Qilin is considered the king of all furred animals. Unlike Western monsters, it is a profoundly peaceful and benevolent creature, endowed with great wisdom. Legend has it that the creature is so respectful of life that it refuses to step on even the smallest insect or crush a single blade of fresh grass, preferring instead to travel across clouds or water. Its presence is the ultimate sign that peace, harmony, and justice prevail in the world. It only reveals itself to humans during the reign of an exceptionally just ruler, or to herald the birth (or death) of a great sage. The most famous example in Chinese history concerns Confucius: tradition holds that a Qilin appeared to his mother shortly before his birth, prophesying the arrival of an "uncrowned king" who would transform Chinese thought.
During the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), this type of carved brick was used to adorn perimeter walls, monumental gateways, temple pavilions, and the tombs of high-ranking dignitaries. In this context, the Qilin symbolizes benevolence, prosperity, and elevated status (notably associated with high-ranking military officers).
The object is accompanied by a thermoluminescence test, which confirms its stated antiquity.
Origin: China.
Period: Ming Dynasty (1368–1644).
Dimensions: Height: 32 cm – Length: 32 cm – Width: 12 cm.
Condition: Excellent archaeological condition, with minor nicks and signs of wear consistent with its age. It retains superb traces of its original polychromy—including brick-red pigments and areas of green and greyish-white glaze or slip—which accentuate the creature’s vigorous relief and sacred ferocity.
Provenance: Private Belgian collection.
4 500 €
Period: Before 16th century
Style: Asian art
Condition: Excellent condition
Material: Terracotta
Length: 32 cm
Width: 12 cm
Height: 32 cm
Reference (ID): 1792822
Availability: In stock
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