Man Sleeping on a Bamboo Couch

Man Sleeping on a Bamboo Couch

Unidentified artist

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The three-panel screen painting within this painting creates a metaphorical, as well as illusionistic, space within an intimate composition. The sleeping scholar, his contented face turned toward the viewer, seems to be dreaming peacefully. The artist cannot depict the gentleman's dream, but the mesmerizing pattern of waves covering the screen that encloses the man is highly suggestive of his serene state of mind.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Man Sleeping on a Bamboo CouchMan Sleeping on a Bamboo CouchMan Sleeping on a Bamboo CouchMan Sleeping on a Bamboo CouchMan Sleeping on a Bamboo Couch

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.