Chinese Carved Soapstone Libation Cup with Qilin and Chilong
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A Chinese carved soapstone libation cup, 20th century of archaic style with recumbent Qilin and a clambering chilong at the cup base, the red veined variegated stone with grey and beige shadings, incised with inked highlights. Height 19.5 cm
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- Incised - A record of a name, date or inscription, or a decoration scratched into a surface, usually of a glass or ceramic item with a blunt instrument to make a coarse indentation. Compare with engraving where the surface is cut with a sharp instrument such as a metal needle or rotating tool to achieve a fine indentation.
- Kylin or Qilin - A kylin or qilin is a mythical Chinese animal, dating back to the 5th century with the head of a dragon, the body of a deer and the tail of a lion. It is a regarded as a good omen bringing serenity and prosperity, and is said to appear with the coming or departure of a wise sage or illustrious ruler.
It is also part of the culture of Korea and Japan.
As well as being represented in bronze and jade, it is also used as a decorative motif on ceramics.
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