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Chilins (Chinese Chimerical Creatures) Fighting with a Dragon

16th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 460
While the creatures seen here are of Chinese origin, combat scenes in this vein reached Turkey from Iran only in the sixteenth century. Drawings in wash colors with the contrasting use of black, and rhythmic, calligraphic line were a particular Turkish development of the subject.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Chilins (Chinese Chimerical Creatures) Fighting with a Dragon
  • Date: 16th century
  • Geography: Attributed to Turkey, Istanbul
  • Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
  • Dimensions: Painting: H. 6 1/16 in. (15.4 cm)
    W. 10 3/16 in. (25.9 cm)
    Mat: H. 16 in. (40.6 cm)
    W. 22 in. (55.9 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1955
  • Object Number: 55.121.35
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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