Old and Rare Single Horned Sin-you with Ruyi Sceptre in Mouth.  Paperweight.  Bronze.  China.

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Click the photo above for a larger version and more pictures

 

Chinese mythology is full of fantastic supernatural and mythical creatures. While Westerners are most familiar with dragons and the phoenix, throughout Asia there are numerous less-known mythological beings.

 

So to start with, this is not a Kirin, Qilin, Tiam Lu, Pixiu, Zheng, or a number of other hybrid figures that have some, but not all the traits of this creature.

 

A Sin-you – known best for its single horn, claw feet and no wings – also has its hybrid renditions.  Sometimes hooves come into the mix making it more of a Qilin, but with the feline paws and intense eyes . . .  this character is a Sin-you.

 

Now comes the good part. 

The Sin-you is highly symbolic of justice and is believed to have the power to know if a person is lying or know if they are guilty with just a glance. Handy to have in a judicial court environment because – if it catches you lying – it will leap forward and impale the perjurer through the heart with its horn.  So much for needing jurors.

 

Want more uniqueness?  This Sin-you carries in its mouth a Ruyi Scepter, a symbol of authority.   I have heard and seen photos of creatures with a Ruyi Scepter surrounding it but never in the mouth.

 

Bottom line, this would make a stunning gift and paperweight!

 

Truly another one-of-a-kind and just for the Serious Collector . . .  of gift giver.  Stand is not included

 

This item has SOLD.  Many thanks, M.M. !