PAIR OF COLOUR WOODBLOCK PRINTS OF LADIES HOLDING FANS AND BOYS ON QILINS. Qilin Song Zi, Tian ? ? Er. 年畫一對： 麒麟送子。 天口口兒. N.p. n.d. (1865-85) Pair of original colour woodblock prints. 2 vols. 55x30 cm. Paper.

A pair of late Qing dynasty prints, probably nianhua (New Year prints) showing ladies fanning boys riding on mythical qilin.

The fan of the lady on the righthand print bears the characters: Qilin Song Zi - The Qilin Brings Sons.

The qilin is also associated with Confucius and thus high scholarly achievement.

To the right of the lady written in pencil in English is: Goddess giver of children Niang niang.

The fan in the lefthand print bears a similar sentiment. Two of the characters somewhat illegible but the

general meaning is : The Heavenly Maiden Bestows Sons.

Thus the overall symbolism of the prints expresses a wish for sons who will become top scholars and bring wealth and respect to a family.

The prints long folded and with horizontal crease marks.Tears to edges.

The colours very fresh and bright due to said folding.

From the collection of a British missionary resident in Wuhan 1865-1885.