Oriental Qilin, Temple Guardian

The qilin is a mythical beast that symbolizes good luck and prosperity. According to tradition in China, Korea, and Japan, a qilin would appear to signal the birth or death of a benevolent ruler or sage scholar. Because of its association with good luck, the qilin is sometimes known as the "Chinese unicorn" in the western world. It would sometimes be depicted at the entryway of temples, guarding the sacred space.