Qilin Ornament

Title
Qilin Ornament
Year/Period
early 20th century
Region
Singapore
Material
Dimension
Object size: 0.7 x 1.8 x 1.5 cm
Accession No.
2016-00851
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Winson Tan in memory of the late Edward Tan TL

This is a qilin ornament made with filigree work. Qilin are Chinese mythical creatures that symbolize felicitous offspring. It is likely that this ornament was originally sewn onto a textile such as a ceremonial handkerchief or a wedding headband.This ornament is part of a group donation from descendants of Tan Kim Seng and Tan Jiak Kim. Both were wealthy merchants, philanthropists and leaders of the local Hokkien community.