Vintage incense vessel "Qilin". Made of metal, covered with silver. China, 20th century.

The image of the qilin is similar to the European unicorn, although it still has differences and resembles a chimera. Qilin is an image of insight, kindness, mercy and understanding. The hooves of the qilin do not trample the grass, but press it when it rushes, it will not trample a single bug and will not harm anyone. This is a sacred animal, along with the dragon, turtle and phoenix, which does not tolerate turmoil, dirt and rudeness. Someone says that in nature it was possible to see this outlandish beast live, but it is, of course, so elusive that it is shown only to the chosen ones, with pure thoughts, people.