Toy
This embroidered toy features a man riding a qilin, a fantastic animal commonly found in the decorative arts of the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing dynasties. Although its appearance can vary, the qilin seen here combines the features of a dragon (head, horns, and scales), a fantastical lion (tail), and a deer (body and hooves). Various auspicious items hang from the qilin, among them (from the left) scrolls, a sycee (silver ingot), books, and a handheld decorative accessory called a ruyi. The detachable rider holds a sheng, a type of mouth organ.
Artwork Details
- Title: Toy
- Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
- Date: 19th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Silk and metallic thread embroidery on silk satin and float-patterned plain-weave silk
- Dimensions: Overall (a): 2 3/4 x 1 1/2 in. (7 x 3.8 cm)
Overall (b): 10 x 4 in. (25.4 x 10.2 cm) - Classification: Textiles-Embroidered
- Credit Line: Gift of Florance Waterbury, 1967
- Object Number: 67.179.18a, b
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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19th century
19th century
Sakai Ōho (Japanese, 1808–1841)
ca. 1839
Chōbunsai Eishi (Japanese, 1756–1829)
early 19th century
mid-19th century
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