Collection of Stephen Junkunc, III (d. 1978).

This exquisite carving of dramatic sculptural form is a marvel of high Qing jade craftsmanship. The mature qilin lies recumbent with its rear lost in a mottled cloud while its cub leans over in a playfu❀l embrace. Although groups of mythical beasts of this arrangement form one of the major categories of jade animal carvings, the present example is exceptional in its bold and expressive carving style. 

Compare a similarly expressive qilin group in white and russet jade from the collection of the Earl and Countess of Jersey, sold in our London rooms, 16th May 2012, lot 23; and another of similar style and color fashioned as a water dropper, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 23rd October 2005, lot 101. Compare also a number of related qilin figures in different configurations from the collection of the Qing court, including one with a package of books on its back, and another with a lingzhi fungus in its mouth, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Jadeware (III), Hon🏅g Kong, 1995, pls 94 and 95 respectively. See also♏ a large yellow jade mythical beast, also from the Junkunc Collection, sold in these rooms, 22nd September 2020, lot 227.