Absolutely NOTHING beats an antique pair of these creatures with the head of a dragon, body of a horse and scales of a carp fish. The energy, the detail and the workmanship are spectacular!!
It is believed that if you look into the eyes of the female Chi Lin it will bring you happiness and good fortune. The Chi Lin (Ki Lin, Kirin, Qilin . . . depending on the country) promises good omens, wealth, success, longevity, wisdom, compassion and distinguished children. WOW. They should be placed in the north portion of your home or office, for obvious reasons. They should always be displayed as a pair…. to get the full cleansing of negative energy and empowered with positive Sheng Ch’i.
These are serious pieces of artwork for aesthetic value and also for their religious and spiritual history. The red jewels (or in these statues, pieces of gems and glass) add to the protective power and auspiciousness.
On a personal note, I have been looking for a pair like this for decades. Sure, there are older ones, younger ones that lack detail, and – of course – cheap factory-made ones that are used by feng shui practitioners (hey, not everyone can afford the real McCoy(s)). Recently, there are ones that are made to look old. But these are REAL and OLD and produce a lot of energy. They are over 10 pounds each!
Worth the price? I know they are but you should judge. For the Serious Collector, for sure.