“八宝麒麟”辩证

On the Controversy over Unicorn and the Greedy Animal in the Decorations of Traditional Chinese Buildings

在中国传统宫庙的诸多装饰图腾中,几乎所有官宦世家及宗祠、寺庙建筑秀面"裙堵"上,皆以所谓"八宝麒麟"装饰。也有部份身堵又以"麒麟、凤凰、牡丹"组合寓意"富贵吉祥"的砖、石雕。本研究考证发现该图腾虽然与麒麟相似,但却另有不同的名称及寓意,故以此特殊神兽雕刻作为本研究主轴,且经多方考证证实应为明太祖朱元璋所创之"犭贪"兽。

This paper explores through historical investigation the controversy over the mythical animal which appeared on the external walls of traditional Chinese buildings. The common belief has been that the mythical animal is a unicorn, which denotes wealth and honor. An in-depth study shows that the mythical animal actually derived from a legendary animal created by the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Chu Yuan-Cbang. Research findings show that the animal is similar in shape to unicorn, but is actually called ＂the Greedy Animal＂, This mythical animal became part of the decorations on the exterior walls of public buildings or on those of the residence of high-ranking officials, to warn against corruption.