Rank Badge with Qilin

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The qilin is a fantastic animal shown here in its conventional form. The flames shooting from the creature's body signify its supernatural powers. After 1662 the qilin became the insignia of military officials of the first rank; before that time it was worn by nobles.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.

Metropolitan Museum of Art