A grey and russet jade carving of a qilin, 17th century. Photo: Bonhams.

The recumbent mythical beast carved with its forelegs resting one over the other, the claws well defined, with the head raised and turned towards the left, with bushy eyebrows, the twisting curved horn above the locks of mane reaching the knobbly spine, the bushy curled tail. 7.1cm (2 3/4in) wide. Estimate £5,000 - 8,000 (€6,100 - 9,800)

Provenance: an English private collection

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART, London, New Bond Street, 15 May 2014 -http://www.bonhams.com/