Chinese Lidded Ginger Jar Depicting a Boy or Immortal Riding a Qilin Mythical Beast

A boy rides a scaly qilin past a garden fence, with friends carrying banners and fans close behind.

This lidded ginger jar depicting a boy or immortal riding a qilin mythical beast comes from China and dates to the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1912 CE). It is porcelain with cobalt paint. The qilin, a gentle hooved creature with a dragon's head, is traditionally said to bring sons, and the image of a child riding one is generally read as a wish for gifted children. Painted in underglaze blue, the rider sits on a qilin patterned with scales, followed by attendants with a banner and a fly whisk. It is 9.25 inches high and 8.5 in diameter.

A parade, with very good intentions.