Qilin Brooch by JAR

Citrine Qilin Brooch by JAR. Photo courtesy of Christie's Images Ltd. 2018. This citrine brooch shaped like the legendary Qilin, made by famed jeweler JAR, sold last month at Christie's auction for 150,000 Euros ($173,818 US). JAR made it for his friend, Juan de Beistegui, heir to the multi-million dollar fortune of Carlos de Beistegui.

JAR designed the brooch to resemble the Chinese rendition of the Qilin. It's gaping mouth, paved in rubies, yawns from within a bearded shaggy mane. This mane sweeps upward toward the sky, as its flowing beard trails down the front of its chest. Its piercing eye flashes as a yellow diamond. Its body shimmers with flaming citrine, representing fire in the belly. In one cloven hoof and leg it carries a ball of fiery citrine. Scaly metallic circles cover its skin like fish scales.

The Chinese Qilin Legends

In China, Qilin (also called Chinese unicorns) are gentle, mythical creatures with the sensibilities of a tender maiden. Yet, they also possess the power of a mighty lion or dragon. Though hesitate to tread on grass, fearful they might injure even a single blade, they vanquish the wicked without apology. Considered one of the four sacred animals, the chimeric creature enjoys the praise given the dragon, phoenix, and tortoise. According to legend, a dragon gave birth to nine sons. It was one of them. Along with its brothers, the qilin possesses the gift of discernment, recognizing good and evil. Similar to the stork, the Chinese unicorn brings extraordinary children from the heavens. Though a solitary creature by nature, the mythical creature appears and lingers just before the birth of a great sage or distinguished ruler and returns upon their death. A qilin eats magical grass, floats or flies, and escorts the dead to heaven. Even its image, carved on tombstones, wards off evil spirits. It represents peace and harmony, though it also possesses the power to vanquish evil. A qilin talisman is believed to bring protection, prosperity, longevity, and success to its owner. It also serves to promote fertility. In Feng Shui, qilin attract wealth and repel negativity. They represent celebration, longevity, greatness, joy, and wisdom. They are also a harbinger of wise and noble children.

Qilin in Japan

In Japan, qilin are called kirin. The legends surrounding them overlap nearly identically with those of China, promising prosperity and peace. However, in Japan, kirin are notoriously shy, avoiding conflict at every turn. The Japanese believe kirin possess the power to punish the wicked. Legends abound in which the kirin preside over court hearings and divine the guilt or innocence of the accused. Kirin live in solitude, born in the center of the earth. They are considered the first and purest among the land animals. Their ability to navigate flawlessly, always reaching their destination, render them a favorite choice for spiritual life guides. It doesn't seem too far-fetched to imagine that JAR had all of this symbolism and legend in mind when he fashioned this qilin brooch for his dear friend. Now, its new owner can draw from the power of JAR's intentions, as well as from the talismanic power this jewel holds.

6 years ago

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