• Koguryo and Balhae
  • Great Tomb of Gangseo
The Third Stone Prop of the Northwestern Wall (Side – Detailed view of the Qilin)
TitleThe Third Stone Prop of the Northwestern Wall (Side – Detailed view of the Qilin)
The Third Stone Prop of the Northwestern Wall (Side – Detailed view of the Qilin)
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This is a detailed view of the Qilin depicted on the left side of the third stone prop of the northwestern wall. As a fictional animal from ancient China, the Qilin has assumed various forms throughout history. However, the overall image is comprised of a deer-like body with antlers on its head. Females, lacking antlers, are referred to as Qi, and males are referred to as Lin. Remarkably, the one-horned male Qilin has been mistaken for the unicorn of European folklore. Through the advent of Confucianism, the Qilin was referred to as the Benevolent Beast that only appeared upon the emergence of virtuous persons. The Qilin, Fenghuang, Tortoise, and Dragon are also referred to as the Four Benevolent Animals.
The Qilin, as seen in the image, is very similar in overall appearance to a deer featuring traces of black spots on its body. Although the details are unclear, traces of a horn or antlers can be seen on its head. Similar to the Azure Dragon and White Tiger, a red, flame-shaped mane can be seen on the back of the Qilin's neck that emphasizes the animal's ethereal nature. The Qilin seems to have been depicted as a protector of the spiritual world in consideration of its symbolism.

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