The qilin, sometimes written chi lin or ch’i-lin, is a gentle mythical creature from Chinese legend. Legends and artists describe it differently, but it is often shown with a dragon-like head, deer-like antlers, scales, and an ox-like tail. In feng shui it is used mainly for protection and for attracting prosperity. The notes below cover what it means, where to put it, and how to choose a pair.
What a qilin is
The qilin is a composite creature, so its appearance varies by artist and region. Its parts are usually described loosely: a dragon-like head, deer-like antlers, scales, and hooves or a tail that recall an ox. Legends present it as a creature that avoids harming living things, and that appears in times of peace and good government.
It is one of the mythical animals of the Chinese tradition that appear in temple art, and it also appears in Buddhist art. In Guanyin iconography, for example, a qilin can be shown as a symbol of fertility.
Why people keep a qilin at home
- Protection. The qilin is seen as a guardian that keeps harm away from a home or doorway.
- Gentleness and virtue. Its legends stress calm and goodwill, so many families see it as a symbol of a well-run household.
- Prosperity. Many sellers link the qilin to wealth, especially when it sits on a coin or ingot base.
Pairs and orientation
Many guides recommend a pair, a male and a female. Sellers often say the male sits on one side and the female on the other, and they mark the two with different features, such as a ball for the male and a cub for the female. Sources disagree on which side each should sit, so pick the arrangement that suits your room, and keep the pair matched in size and style.
Direction is also disputed. Some sellers say the figures should face outward toward the entrance or a window, so they confront incoming energy. Others say a figure should not face the owner directly. The outward-facing approach is the more common advice, but if you prefer another arrangement, choose one you can see clearly from inside the home.
Where to place it
Entrance and living room
A figure on a shelf or in an alcove near the front door is a common choice. In the living room, a visible spot where the family gathers suits a qilin well. Keep the space in front of the figure open, so nothing blocks its view.
Some guides place the north with career and the southeast with wealth, following the Bagua. That is a convention used by some schools, not a rule, so treat it as optional.
Desk and office
Many guides suggest a desk or reception counter. Set the figure toward the back of the surface and clear of the edge, so it is steady and not crowded. Small qilin figures suit a compact desk, while a larger one suits a reception area.
Bedrooms and other spots
Some guides advise against the bedroom, since a figure meant to guard the home can feel too active for rest. Others keep one there without any problem. If you are unsure, choose a shared room.
For a closer look at other figures that guard a doorway, see Guan Yu and Zhong Kui. For other symbols that people place for luck, see the lucky animals guide.
Materials and care
Check the piece before you buy it, as well as after you place it.
- Brass or metal. Durable and suited to entrances and long-term display. Dust with a soft, dry cloth, and avoid harsh chemicals and abrasives.
- Resin or ceramic. Lighter and often less costly, good for living rooms and desks. Keep resin out of strong direct sun, which can fade it.
- Base and parts. Check that the base is stable and that no small parts, such as a coin or ingot, are loose or glued poorly.
- Size. A large figure suits a gate or hall. A small one suits a desk or side table. Avoid a figure that dominates a small room.
- Damp corners. Keep the figure dry, away from damp walls and bathrooms.
Qilin, kirin, and Chi Lin
The names are often used for the same creature. Qilin is the standard Chinese name, Chi Lin and ch’i-lin are older or alternative romanizations, and kirin is the Japanese name. Some English-language sellers also use kylin. Descriptions vary somewhat between China and Japan, so when you buy, check the seller’s description and photos, so you know which form you are getting.
The short version
- The qilin is a gentle mythical guardian linked to protection and prosperity.
- Place it at the entrance, in the living room, or on a stable work desk.
- A pair is common. Sources disagree on which side each figure sits and which way it faces, so choose an arrangement that looks balanced in your room.