Goddess Bestowing the Wish for a Son on a Qilin
Original Language Title麒麟送子清末民初
CultureChinese
Datelate 19th-early 20th century
MediumWoodblock print; ink and color on paper
DimensionsOverall: 21 3/4 × 10 5/8 inches (55.25 × 26.99 cm)
Credit LineBequest of Laurence Sickman
Object numberF88-44/43
On View
Not on viewCollections
DescriptionLady astride a ch'i-lin (horned, four- legged creature resembling a deer) supporting a boy riding in front of her, facing left.Gallery LabelMore blessing emblems are seen in the other prints. Each represents a beautiful goddess bestowing the wish for a son. The boy holds a ruyi scepter, which represents status and wish- granting, indicating the hope that sons will eventually bring glory to the family. The steed is an imaginary animal called Qilin, which signifies the coming of good things.
All the prints bring wishes for longevity and descendants. These pastel, stylized images create a graphic effect similar to wallpaper that brightens a room.
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