---
title: Kirin (Qilin)
author: Sanctu
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18959/kirin-qilin/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)
updated: 2024-05-21
---
# Kirin (Qilin)
_Authored by Sanctu_
## Image File
[](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/18959.jpg)
## Image Caption
Kirin ([Qilin](https://www.worldhistory.org/Qilin/)), [bronze](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/bronze/) statue at the Summer [Palace](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/palace/) in Beijing, [China](https://www.worldhistory.org/china/).
Here, the qilin has a dragon-like head with two horns, cloven hooves, and fire emanating from its chunky, scaled body. Throughout history, the qilin can be found in [Chinese literature](https://www.worldhistory.org/Chinese_Literature/), art, and accounts of day-to-day life. As one of the Four Auspicious Beasts in Chinese [mythology](https://www.worldhistory.org/mythology/) – alongside the dragon, phoenix, and tortoise – the qilin also embodies prosperity and longevity and has a heavenly status.
References to the qilin date back to ancient Chinese texts, where this revered creature is regarded as a sign of good fortune and an indicator of a virtuous ruler. Its association with the philosopher [Confucius](https://www.worldhistory.org/Confucius/) (l. c. 551 to c. 479 BCE) underscores its significance as an auspicious symbol. Qilin imagery was favoured across various Chinese dynasties, and its popularity extends across other Asian countries, including [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/), [Korea](https://www.worldhistory.org/Korea/), and Vietnam.
## Cite This Work
### APA
Sanctu. (2024, May 21). Kirin (Qilin). *World History Encyclopedia*.
### Chicago
Sanctu. "Kirin (Qilin)." *World History Encyclopedia*, May 21, 2024. .
### MLA
Sanctu. "Kirin (Qilin)." *World History Encyclopedia*, 21 May 2024, .
## License & Copyright
[](https://www.flickr.com/photos/mithril/4187564508/)This image was first published on [Flickr](http://www.flickr.com). [Original image](https://www.flickr.com/photos/mithril/4187564508/) by [**Sanctu**](https://www.flickr.com/photos/mithril/4187564508/). Submitted by [Joanne Taylor](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/joannetaylor/ "User Page: Joanne Taylor"), published on 21 May 2024. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.