Vase with lions

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The doglike lions cavorting on the surface of this vase are often known as Fu dogs in the West. Fu, or fo, is the Chinese word for Buddha, and the creatures were probably so named because they are often found in temples or monastic compounds. Here they are placed among various emblems of good luck and fortune, such as flaming pearls, coral branches, and silver ingots.

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