Vase with scenes from Romance of the West Chamber

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The scenes on this vase come from Romance of the West Chamber, arguably China’s most popular romantic play. Written by Wang Shifu (ca. 1260–1336), the play tells the story of two star-crossed lovers. Zhang Gong is an impoverished young scholar, and Cui Yingying is the daughter of a high-ranking official. After many romantic experiences and dramatic difficulties, some of which are depicted on this vase, the two lovers eventually get married.

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