A mythical animal (qilin) offering a book

The qilin -called variously a unicorn, kylin, or chilin-is a mythical creature with five-colored skin. It has the body of a deer, the forehead of a wolf, the tail of an ox, and the hooves of a horse. The qilin's fleshy single horn makes it unfit for war. Gentle and kind to all living creatures, the qilin appears only during the reign of a benevolent king. The fantastic beast symbolizes longevity, grandeur, felicity, and wise administration. In popular culture, the qilin carries a young boy on its back, for it is believed to bring illustrious sons. A qilin bearing a book appeared to the mother of Confucius before his birth.

This nephrite qilin is shown spitting out a book, which rests on its back supported by an auspicious cloud. Such gifts were given to newborn babies of wealthy households to convey wishes for them to become scholars or distinguished sons.

HIDDEN MEANING: May your son become an illustrious scholar!