Spring Breeze of Myriad Pasts

Spring Breeze of Myriad Pasts

Zhang You

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Zhang You, a native of Fengyang, Anhui Province, who inherited the hereditary rank of marquis (hou), was known for his lofty ambition and scholarly demeanor. An aficionado of ornamental plants and rocks, he made a specialty of painting plum blossoms, studying with the Hangzhou master Wang Qian (active first half of the 15th century). According to his inscription, Zhang painted this work for a regional military commander in Pingjiang (Suzhou), Jiangsu Province.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Spring Breeze of Myriad PastsSpring Breeze of Myriad PastsSpring Breeze of Myriad PastsSpring Breeze of Myriad PastsSpring Breeze of Myriad Pasts

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.