Chinese Qing Dynasty, Qilin nephrite white jade seal. Chinese grayish-celadon Nephrite jade carved into a square block with two headed Qilin striding on top, facing slight to right shoulder. Qilin are extraordinarily beautiful creatures, sparkling like gems and adorned in flames. With their scaly bodies and horned heads, they resemble Chinese dragons, but their legs terminate in delicate hooves, rather than the dragon’s vicious paws, and their tails are lion-like instead of serpentine. Whatever their special attraction, they always move gracefully and dazzle the mortals who see them. Qilin are thought to be a symbol of luck, good omens, protection, prosperity, success, and longevity by the Chinese. Qilin are also a symbol of fertility, and often depicted in decorations as bringing a baby to a family. The underside carved with two seal script -ZhuanShu- lettering. Adorned with golden yellow string. Elegant jade vessel, with very fine relief encircling the entire outer surface. Highly polished stone, showing a pale celadon hue. Relatively Uniform milky coloration with a tinge of variation in hue. Translucent properties are present as light strikes the unblemished basin. Brilliant luster with very precise. The jade shows finely polished moist milky appearance, with beautiful natural inclusion of grayish tonesMeasurements: Height 2-7/8" Width: 1-1/2" Weight: 249g