释义 |
‖ kirin|ˈkɪərɪn| Also Kirin. [Jap., f. Chinese (see kylin).] A fabulous beast of composite form, freq. portrayed in Japanese pottery and art (see quots.); = kylin.
1727J. G. Scheuchzer tr. Kæmpfer's Hist. Japan I. i. x. 123 Kirin, according to the description and figure, which the Japanese give of it, is a winged Quadruped, of incredible swiftness, with two soft horns standing before the breast, and bent backwards, with the body of a Horse, and claws of a Deer, and a head which comes nearest to that of a Dragon. 1875–80Audsley & Bowes Keramic Art Japan I. p. xxxviii, The Japanese have described the kirin as a supernatural animal, requiring for its creation the concurrence of a certain constellation in the heavens. 1900F. Litchfield Pott. & Porc. vii. 172 Figure subjects are not common in this kind of china, but one finds representations of..the Kirin.., a monster with the body and hoofs of a deer, the tail of a bull, and a horn on his forehead. 1908H. L. Joly Legend in Jap. Art 148 The Chinese Shang Huen Fujen, female Sennin, shown riding upon a Kirin. 1963[see ho-ho]. 1971L. A. Boger Dict. World Pott. & Porc. 170/2 Included among other popular [porcelain] motifs were..the five fabulous creatures:..Kirin (Japanese unicorn), [etc.]. |