Monk’s cap ewer

Monk’s cap ewer

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The form of this ewer comes from Tibetan metalwork; because the top reminded Chinese patrons of the hats worn by Tibetan monks, it was given the name “monk’s cap ewer” (sengmaohu). It is a tea container intended for use in Tibetan Buddhist rituals. Probably a gift for a prominent Tibetan cleric, this example is made of the exceptionally pure white porcelain of the imperial kilns at Jingdezhen. Finely incised floral scrolls fill the upper register while auspicious Tibetan phrases wrap around the vessel’s waist.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Monk’s cap ewerMonk’s cap ewerMonk’s cap ewerMonk’s cap ewerMonk’s cap ewer

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.