Birds Pursued by an Eagle

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

An avian drama plays out near the water’s edge as a dark-colored eagle pursues a white swan, and this sudden disturbance in the sky creates a commotion among the smaller creatures, including black myna birds and a duck. Modeled after a Chinese painting of the Ming era (1368–1644), when this particular subject was popular, the unknown artist of this painting most likely followed the example of one of Japan’s favorite Chinese artists—perhaps Ling Liang (act. 15th century)—using dark, broadly applied ink to cursorily define the rocks and introduce the agitated movements of the animals. The early-summer hibiscus offers viewers a respite in this scene of struggle.

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