Orchids and Rock

Gyokuen Bonpō

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

In the final stroke of the smoothly inflected brush line, the semicursive calligraphy of Bonpō’s inscription is visually united with the expansive rendering of the orchid’s supple leaves and fragile blossoms. Orchids and rocks are cherished in literati lore as symbolic of the scholar’s purity of heart, loyalty, and integrity. The “dancing pair” of the poem refers to the fragrant, small-blossomed Epidendrum to the right of the rock and the larger, more colorful Cymbidium orchids, clustered at the center. Bedecked in garlands, the dancing pair Combines their rival fragrance. One must sip their precious dew. Who can make anew these deep-red tassels? I dashed off this poem and painting for the Honorable Cai. —Barbara Brennan Ford

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