Container with Spiral Decoration

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The flowing spiral covering the surface of this elegant container are among the most prevalent of the geometric motifs that decorate bronze ritual and luxury objects produced in many regions of present-day Thailand from the 4th century B.C. to the 3rd century A.D. Two small loops and remnants of a third for suspending the container are found on the upper corners of the base. The large size of the cover implies that it may have stored liquid for drinking but another function, such as holding darts, is also possible.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

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.

Metropolitan Museum of Art