Why is Qilin Tea Pet so popular?
### **1. Origin and Myths and Legends**
Qilin is one of the "Four Spirits" in ancient Chinese mythology (along with dragon, phoenix and turtle), and was first seen in classics such as "Book of Rites" and "Spring and Autumn Annals". Its image combines the characteristics of many animals: a dragon head, a deer body, an ox tail, and horse hooves, with colorful scales on its back, yellow fur on its abdomen, one or two horns on its head, the ability to spit fire from its mouth, and a thunderous voice.
- **Auspicious symbol**: According to legend, the Qilin has a gentle temperament and "does not trample on living things or break plants." It protects benevolent people and only appears in times of peace and prosperity or when a saint appears in the world.
- **God’s Mount**: Ancient books often describe the Qilin as a mount for gods, symbolizing the auspiciousness of heaven and earth, and a spiritual animal connecting heaven and earth.
- **Thousand-year lifespan**: Legend has it that the Qilin can live up to 2,000 years and is regarded as the embodiment of longevity and auspiciousness.
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### **2. The modeling art of Qilin tea pet**
1. **Traditional styling features**
- **Head**: The dragon's head is majestic, with sparkling eyes, symbolizing insight into worldly affairs and the protection of justice; the single horn represents wisdom and authority.
- **Body**: The deer’s body is light and agile, and the horse’s hooves are steady and powerful, implying “being both benevolent and virtuous” and “steady and far-reaching”.
- **Detailed decoration**: The scales on the back are often decorated with gold or glaze, and the tail is curled like auspicious clouds, reflecting luxury and agility.
2. **Material technology**
- **Purple Clay Kirin**: Hand-shaped with original Yixing purple clay, nourished by tea to form a warm patina, highlighting its simple texture.
- **Gilded ceramics**: glazed gilt or enamel craftsmanship, paired with blue and white cloud patterns, showing royal nobility.
- **Boxwood carving**: The wood is delicate and the carving is intricate, showing natural texture and Zen spirit.
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### **III. Cultural Implications and Symbolism**
1. **Virtue and good fortune**
- **Blessing the benevolent**: The Qilin is regarded as a "benevolent animal" that brings blessings to people with virtue, and symbolizes "gathering wealth through virtue" and "carrying the world with virtue".
- **Family harmony**: The legend of the Qilin delivering a child gives it the meaning of "family prosperity" and it is often used as a tea table decoration for newlyweds or families seeking children.
2. **Career and fortune**
- **To ward off evil spirits**: The ferocious appearance can dispel evil spirits and protect the peace of the home. It is suitable to be placed in the tea room or study room.
- **A prosperous career**: In ancient times, the Qilin symbolized "being one of the three highest officials in the country". In modern times, it is extended to mean career advancement and help from noble people.
3. Spiritual Cultivation
- Tea lovers witness the gradual improvement of the color of the Qilin by pouring tea on it every day, which is a metaphor for the philosophy of life of "cultivating oneself and improving one's character" and "improving one's virtue day by day".
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### **Fourth, pay attention to use and maintenance**
1. **Placement**
- The Qilin should face the door, window or the main seat of the living room, symbolizing "bringing good luck and prosperity"; when placed in pairs, the male and female can be separated, with the male facing outwards to attract good fortune and the female facing inwards to guard wealth.
2. **Tea nourishment**
- Dark tea soups such as Pu'er and rock tea are preferred. Pour them evenly to form a uniform patina. Avoid using cold water or tea dregs containing impurities.
3. **Cleaning and maintenance**
- Clean tea stains regularly with a soft brush and wipe with cotton cloth to maintain gloss. Avoid exposure to sunlight or contact with chemical cleaners.
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### **V. Extension of Modern Culture**
- **Cute design**: The Q version Kirin tea pet is made of resin and matched with macaron colors to attract young tea lovers and integrate into the "national tide" culture.
- **Functional innovation**: Some Kirin tea pets have built-in incense holders or water flow devices to achieve the interactive effects of "spitting mist" and "making money", enhancing the fun of the tea ceremony.
- **Gift trend**: Paired with tea sets, it can be used as a business gift or festival gift, such as the "Qilin Offering Blessings" Mid-Autumn Festival gift box, which means "auspiciousness fills the house."
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### **Conclusion**
The Kirin Tea Pet carries the thousand-year-old belief in "benevolence" and "auspiciousness" in Chinese culture. Its majestic shape and gentle quality are not only an artistic embellishment on the tea table, but also a materialized symbol of the spiritual pursuit of tea lovers. From myths and legends to modern life, the Kirin has always been a cultural link connecting traditional aesthetics and contemporary values.
