Sparrows, plum blossoms, and bamboo

Sparrows, plum blossoms, and bamboo

Unidentified artist

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The appeal of Southern Song academic flower and bird painting, exemplified here, derives from careful realism; studied, selective presentation; and genuine affection lavished upon the small and colorful things of the garden.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Sparrows, plum blossoms, and bambooSparrows, plum blossoms, and bambooSparrows, plum blossoms, and bambooSparrows, plum blossoms, and bambooSparrows, plum blossoms, and bamboo

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.