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Chinese Yellow Glazed Mythical Beast, Xiezhi, Qing Dynasty, 19th Century, China

$3,600
£2,733.06
€3,126.04
CA$5,029.72
A$5,594.15
CHF 2,921.09
MX$68,074.84
NOK 37,306.79
SEK 34,987.18
DKK 23,330.80
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About the Item

A fantastic and charming Chinese yellow glazed porcelain model of a mythical unicorn, xiezhi, Qing Dynasty, 19th century, China. The xiezhi is a mythical beast often referred to as a Chinese unicorn, and usually described as a one-horned goat. Much like its western counterparts, the xiezhi is an overall benevolent animal associated with justice and morality. It is said the xiezhi is able to distinguish between truth and falsehood, guilt and innocence. The xiezhi will use its single horn to This depiction of a xiezhi is more akin to a dog than a goat. The xiezhi sits upon its haunches, his hound-like body well muscled and lean, with the ribs showing, and a short tail ending in a bushy trifurcate ryui shaped poof. Its canine head features bulging eyes, a long snout with a flattened ruyi shaped nose, and a mouth open in a wide and goofy grin, showing sharp teeth. The face is framed by more goat-like attributes - a pair of long, floppy ears, a single horn rising from the top of the head, and a short, bushy green glazed beard. The mythical beast is glazed all over in an impressive sancai (three color) glaze. The body of deep mustard yellow; its beard glazed bright green; the horn and tail glazed a rich amber brown. The xiezhi is presented on an early to mid 20th century wooden base. The sculpture has been drilled from the underside and secured to the base with metal bolts and nuts.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 16.25 in (41.28 cm)Width: 12 in (30.48 cm)Depth: 8 in (20.32 cm)
  • Style:
    Qing (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    19th century
  • Condition:
    Additions or alterations made to the original: Drilled and screwed into the wood base. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. In overall good condition with no breaks or repairs noted. A chip or possible glaze burst to the back (see photos). The figure drilled from the bottom and secured to the wooden base by bolts.
  • Seller Location:
    Austin, TX
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU894735599342

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