Water dropper in the shape of a crane

Water dropper in the shape of a crane

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

A crane holding a branch of peaches symbolizes longevity. The crane is believed to live for more than a thousand years and has been associated with immortals who would ride on its back. The peach is understood to have more potent life-extending power. In Chinese legend, the fruit grows on sacred trees in the garden of the Queen Mother of the West and ripens every three thousand years; a person who eats it will live forever.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Water dropper in the shape of a craneWater dropper in the shape of a craneWater dropper in the shape of a craneWater dropper in the shape of a craneWater dropper in the shape of a crane

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.