Three Arches

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The baluster pillars supporting these arches became popular during the reign of Shah Jahan, in the mid-seventeenth century when they were used throughout his palaces. The form was then adopted in central and northern India, in residential architecture and even temples. (For one upper section, see 2004.466)

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