Vintage incense burner "Qilin standing on a snake." Patinated bronze. China, 20th centuryThis work is based on a model created from cast bronze at the beginning of the 19th century. in China.Qilin is a mythical creature, a miracle beast, whose hooves do not crumple a single blade of grass; with the body of a deer covered with scales, the dragon-like head with horns is also decorated with another horn, which is why qilin are often called Chiatian unicorns. This beast stores treasure in the depths of the Earth and is considered a good sign if one day it appears to a person, since qilini bring wealth and prosperity to life.