"The Qilin, also spelled Kylin, Keilun (in Cantonese), Girin (in Korean), Kirin (in Japanese), Sabitun Sabintu (in Manchu), Kỳ lân (in Vietnamese) or Ki len (in Thai), is a mythical hooved creature that is said to appear in conjunction with the arrival of a sage. It is a good omen that brings rui; roughly translated as "serenity" or "prosperity". It is often depicted with what looks like fire all over its body. In Japanese, the Qilin is called Kirin. Japanese art tends to depict the Qilin as more deer-like than in Chinese art. In the Chinese hierarchy of mythological animals, the Qilin is ranked as the third most powerful creature (after the Dragon and Phoenix), but in Japan, the Kirin occupies the top spot. Although it looks fearsome, the Qilin (Kirin) only punishes the wicked. It can walk on grass and yet not trample the blades and it can also walk on water. Being a peaceful creature, its diet does not include flesh. It takes great care when it walks never to tread on any living thing, and it is said to appear only in areas ruled by a wise and benevolent leader (some say even if this area is only a house). It is normally gentle but can become fierce if a pure person is threatened by a sinner, spouting flames from its mouth and exercising other fearsome powers that vary from story to story." ~ info from Monstropedia, Quilin Here, the Kirin walks alongside a sage. Created for a contest on dA. Zoom in for larger size.