Vessel in shape of a crouching tiger

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Fanciful vessels such as this were produced primarily in south China; however, examples in both clay and bronze have been found in the north as well. The shape has a long history and was first produced in the second and third centuries for pouring liquids.

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