~*KIRIN*~
A kirin (also known as quirin, kylin, or ki-lin, but represented by the same kanji, to the right) is a mythological beastie from the Orient usually depicted with the body of a dragon; the legs, cloven hooves, and horn(s) of a deer; and the mane and tail of a lion. Its face is usually rather draconic with lion overtones.
Much more rare than a regular dragon, it was considered very wise, and a bringer of extreme good fortune, thus the Chinese versions often have it depicted sitting or standing on a pile of money and gold.
In the art of Feng Shui, it is one of the four auspicious creatures and its element is Earth. One ancient Chinese tale has a kirin appearing at the birth and death of Confucius as an auspicious omen, while another tale has a ki-lin as Confucius' father.
The Japanese version is quite benevolent and kind as well as bringing fortune.
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My husband designed the kirin that is used throughout my site. He's a keeper! :)
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Two different elderly Chinese women told me that the last two figures shown are kirin despite the lion feet instead of hooves.
One of them said that there are regional variations as to a kirin's appearance, and that the scales and horns definitely label them as kirin, *not* temple dogs/lions.
A kirin (also known as quirin, kylin, or ki-lin, but represented by the same kanji, to the right) is a mythological beastie from the Orient usually depicted with the body of a dragon; the legs, cloven hooves, and horn(s) of a deer; and the mane and tail of a lion. Its face is usually rather draconic with lion overtones.
Much more rare than a regular dragon, it was considered very wise, and a bringer of extreme good fortune, thus the Chinese versions often have it depicted sitting or standing on a pile of money and gold.
In the art of Feng Shui, it is one of the four auspicious creatures and its element is Earth. One ancient Chinese tale has a kirin appearing at the birth and death of Confucius as an auspicious omen, while another tale has a ki-lin as Confucius' father.
The Japanese version is quite benevolent and kind as well as bringing fortune.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
My husband designed the kirin that is used throughout my site. He's a keeper! :)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Two different elderly Chinese women told me that the last two figures shown are kirin despite the lion feet instead of hooves.
One of them said that there are regional variations as to a kirin's appearance, and that the scales and horns definitely label them as kirin, *not* temple dogs/lions.
Kirin from my Personal Collection
• Japanese Kirin Netsuke •
• Chinese Ky-lin •
• Redstone •
• A Stylized Kirin •
the mouth looked like it had burned incense
• Kirin with Lion Ascendant •
