Lot 8101. A rare and massive bronze figure of a qilin, Late Ming-early Qing dynasty. Estimate US$ 20,000 - 30,000 (€18,000 - 28,000). Photo Bonhams.

Well cast, the mythical beast sitting in a proud stance, the hind legs bent and front paws stretched forward, it's head tossed back, jaws gaping in a fierce roar, displaying large fangs and an extended tongue, the mouth framed by long, trailing whiskers and large, bulging eyes below a strong brow, with pricked ears and a pair of multi-pronged, curving horns, with a highly detailed, curling beard, leading to a windswept mane, with a collar around its neck decorated with a bell and tassels, the powerful scaled body with an articulated, spiked spine, the chest, haunches, back and underbelly all engulfed in flames, the body also wreathed with trailing vines, leaves, lingzhi and cloud scroll, supported on furry, hoofed legs, with a large, reticulated tail formed into a swirling, upright mass of numerous curls, the underside open to the interior showing remains of casting material. 22 1/2 in (57.2 cm) high

Notes: A related bronze qilin, with similar form, of smaller size and lacking the foliate and lingzhi decoration, also with a hollow tail, was sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 26 May 2013, sale 20955, lot 368. A stylistically similar bronze figure of a qilin of diminutive size was sold at Christie's New York, 16 September 2010, sale 2339, lot 1025. 

Bonhams. CHINESE WORKS OF ART, 11:00 EDT - NEW YORK