Artwork preview

Netsuke of Qilin

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Netsuke of Qilin by an unknown artist depicts a mythical creature with a predominantly light yellow-brown color and darker brown shading. The creature stands on an oval base. It has a large body with a smaller head and is adorned with intricate carvings resembling swirling patterns and curls, particularly on its back and head. The creature has a long, flowing mane-like structure on its back and a short tail. Its front legs are bent. It casts a shadow on a gray surface.

Artwork Details

Date
19th century
Medium
Ivory
Culture
Japan
Dimensions
599 × 399 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette