Vintage Triple Qilin Breastplate

At a glance, the three mythical creatures look like dragons, but they are actually known as Qilin. They are chimerical creatures with hooves like a horse, scales like a fish (or has fiery body), a head like a dragon, and looks tiger-like. In Asian cultures, it is said to appear with the imminent arrival or passing of a wise sage or an illustrious ruler. It is also a good omen that brings serenity or prosperity. Plated with gold, this necklace exhibits nothing but splendor. If you look closely enough, all three Qilins are different than each other. Although of great quality, this necklace is unsigned. I have seen the same Qilin motif used in Trifari designs, where some of them were enameled.