kirinn.

1727 J. G. Scheuchzer tr. E. Kæmpfer 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.

1875–80 G. A. Audsley & J. L. 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.

1900 F. Litchfield Pottery & Porcelain 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.

1908 H. L. Joly Legend in Japanese Art 148 The Chinese Shang Huen Fujen, female Sennin, shown riding upon a Kirin.

1963 Times 7 May 7/2 A swordguard in silver formed as a Ho-ho bird and Kirin, undercut in the round with gilt details.

1971 L. A. Boger Dict. World Pottery & Porcelain 170/2 Included among other popular [porcelain] motifs were..the five fabulous creatures:..Kirin (Japanese unicorn), [etc.].