Rare Japanese Hirodo Arita Nabeshima Porcelain Figure of a Kirin Qilin

Approx 8” tall no chips or cracks - valued between $600-$800 Kirin, also known as a Qilin in Chinese. It's a mythical hooved chimerical creature known throughout various East Asian cultures, often depicted with features of a dragon and a deer. Kirin are symbols of good omen, prosperity, and serenity, often associated with the arrival or passing of a sage or benevolent ruler.

Porcelain Kirin figurines have been crafted in Japan and China for centuries, often as decorative or ceremonial objects. They are believed to bring luck and protection to homes and businesses. The white porcelain suggests a refined aesthetic, potentially indicating a higher quality piece, and the pose with the open mouth is a common representation, symbolizing the Kirin's roar that wards off evil spirits.