Two Birds on a Wintry Tree

Two Birds on a Wintry Tree

Unidentified artist

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Two magpies, their feathers fluffed up against the cold, represent a warm reminder of the inevitability of spring. Such pictures of paired birds were often given as birthday gifts to elderly couples. The white heads of the birds and their long tail feathers are symbols of longevity, as is the ancient tree upon which they perch, for despite being covered with snow, the tree has already sprouted new growth—a sign of its enduring vigor.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Two Birds on a Wintry TreeTwo Birds on a Wintry TreeTwo Birds on a Wintry TreeTwo Birds on a Wintry TreeTwo Birds on a Wintry Tree

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.