Bulbous squatting mythical animal called a qilin dating from the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). The same shape can be found in bronze incense burners of the period. The carving is exceptional. It seems like you can feel the bulging muscles of the animal when fondling it. The creature comes from an old collection and has a numbered wooden stand. It was acquired in Amsterdam in 1969. Length 4.1 cm. Width 3.0 cm. Height 4.3 cm. Weight 72.6 grams.