Tomb Guardian (Zhenmushou)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Bulging eyes, a gaping mouth with fangs, a protruding tongue, oversized paws, and a spiked back define this fantastic creature, which was once one of a pair placed facing outward at the entrance to the coffin chamber.

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