Scroll Cover with Mythical Creature
The unusual animal on this rank badge is an alternative representation of the qilin, an auspicious mythological beast that is said to appear in the reign of a virtuous ruler. In the Ming dynasty, qilin badges were worn as the insignia of nobles.
The qilin seen here is similar to one on a badge excavated from the tomb of Duke Xu Fu, who died in 1517. The animal in Xu Fu's badge has a slightly longer neck, but its coat has a similar hexagonal pattern. That pattern is also found on a painted giraffe exhibited nearby. A gift of this exotic beast to the Yongle emperor in 1414 occasioned many flattering comments among senior officials that a qilin had appeared, implying that the Yongle emperor, a usurper, was the rightful ruler. This occurrence must have been the beginning of the conflation of giraffe and qilin.
The qilin seen here is similar to one on a badge excavated from the tomb of Duke Xu Fu, who died in 1517. The animal in Xu Fu's badge has a slightly longer neck, but its coat has a similar hexagonal pattern. That pattern is also found on a painted giraffe exhibited nearby. A gift of this exotic beast to the Yongle emperor in 1414 occasioned many flattering comments among senior officials that a qilin had appeared, implying that the Yongle emperor, a usurper, was the rightful ruler. This occurrence must have been the beginning of the conflation of giraffe and qilin.
Artwork Details
- Title: Scroll Cover with Mythical Creature
- Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
- Date: 18th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Silk embroidery on simple gauze silk
- Dimensions: Overall: 13 1/2 x 13 1/2 in. (34.3 x 34.3 cm)
- Classification: Textiles-Embroidered
- Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1941
- Object Number: 41.123.3
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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China
first half 18th century
Wang Hui
datable to 1698
Leng Mei
18th century
China
18th century
India, Deccan, Aurangabad (?)
late 18th century
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