The carving of this small belt hook is very fine and lively. It looks as if the qilin is ready to jump. The belt hook is made of a very nice light celadon-green material. On the neck of the hook is some skin remaining. All in all we give this belt hook an early date because of the qilin's dynamic appearance. It is certainly from the beginning of the Qing period (1644 - 1912) but could well be earlier. It entered the collection in Amsterdam in 1975. Length 8.4 cm. Width 1.7 cm. Depth 2.5 cm. Weight 40.0 grams.