ANTIQUE KIRIN: Three sold Carved Kirin, Bovine Bone, Long Carnelian, Opal, and Bronze Necklace (Gift for Him, Sale)

This carving is complex and unique, and most certainly, old. The skill to create such a complicated design as in this carving is almost unavailable today. The raised areas of the bone carving, which include the bodies of the three kirin, as well the top and bottom borders, are polished to a lovely shine. The artist created three beautifully formed kirin unicorn grazing on foliage. Kirin or, altenatively, kilin, are mythical creatures with one or two horns. According to ancient Taoist lore, although they can often look fearsome, Kirin are gentle creatures, said to punish the wicked. This creature is also known as the Eastern unicorn, different in appearane and attributions from the western unicorn. The Qirin is said to appear when a wise ruler or sage is in power. Legends have variations of court trials associated with kirin divination of a person's goodness or evilness. The Eastern unicorn is honored as a spiritual guide for life, because goodness is inherent in kirins. In Buddhist traditions, Kirin will refuse to walk upon grass for fear of harming a single blade, and are often depicted walking upon clouds or water. The background of this carving is accentuated with dark ocher. I attached a small bronze and carnelian beaded loop to the bottom of the pendant to close the bone opening. The long gemstone necklace is made from 5 mm carnelian beads that are the same deep orange red color as the raised polished areas. There are also 12 mm opal beads with and 3 mm bronze beads. The clasp is a bronze hook and eye. The kirin are considered highly auspicious animal. and their representation on this carving transforms it into an amulet of protection sold and good fortune, it is said.