A Chinese zitan and gilt 'twin-qilin' joss-stick holder A Chinese zitan and gilt 'twin-qilin' joss-stick holder A Chinese zitan and gilt 'twin-qilin' joss-stick holder A Chinese zitan and gilt 'twin-qilin' joss-stick holder A Chinese zitan and gilt 'twin-qilin' joss-stick holder A Chinese zitan and gilt 'twin-qilin' joss-stick holder A Chinese zitan and gilt 'twin-qilin' joss-stick holder A Chinese zitan and gilt 'twin-qilin' joss-stick holder

A Chinese zitan and gilt 'twin-qilin' joss-stick holder

Reference: ART1001944

The magnificent piece is carved sectional with a larger recumbent qilin with a fierce expression on its face with a smaller one at its side. The mane and tails of both mythical beasts are finely incised, and the legs undercut. The details such as the eyes and flame scrolls are delicately gilt. The larger beasts supports a gilt bronze shaft shaped as two archaic beasts, all below a gilt-bronze lined holder carved as an open lotus. The two qilin rest on a rectangular stand carved as elegantly scrolling clouds. The base with a gilt-filled four-character inscription reading 'rugu hanjin', which may be translated as 'well versed in knowledge ancient and new'.

Catalogue notes: 'Rugu hanjin' can be interpreted as the harmony between past and present, and is also the name of an islet in a villa of the Yuanming Yuan.

Provenance: From the collection of mr. G. Mulieu, therefore in the collection of mr. G Vissering (1865-1937).