Qilin bringing the jade book

This kneeling qilin is shown with its head raised, a long stream of vapor issuing from its mouth. The vapor turns into fungus-shaped clouds, which support a book that rests on the creature's back. The book is encased in a finely incised cover, simulating brocade. The mythical animal has bulging eyes in deep sockets, shaggy eyebrows, and two horns. Its tail, finely striated, divides into many spiraling curls. A few scales on the haunches indicate the qilin's scaly body, and tongues of flames below the haunches harks back to the animals of the Han dynasty (206 b.c.e.–220 c.e.).

Similar to the dragon and phoenix, the qilin is a composite beast with the head of a dragon, the body of a deer, and the tail of an ox. The qilin is usually called by the Western term "unicorn," but it can have one to two horns. This mythical beast of great benevolence appears in time of peace. His appearance also augurs the birth of a sage, such as Confucius. Legend has it that a qilin disgorging a book appeared the night Confucius was born. As the Chinese counterpart to the Western stork, the qilin is believed to be the bringer of sons. The presence of the book implies a wish that the son will be gifted with a brilliant mind, and that he will pass the civil service examinations with honors and bring glory to his family. Such pieces were used to ornament scholars' studios.