Reclining tiger

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Modeled in the round with keenly observed naturalistic details, this regally posed tiger exemplifies the artistic principles of its time. The surface is ornamented with abstract arabesques, a common decorative motif in the fifth to third century B.C. Together with two comparable pieces, the ornament once embellished the cover of a large ritual vessel.

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