Bamboo, plum, and rock

Li Fangying

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Only after failing in his pursuit of a career as a government official did Li Fangying dedicate himself to painting as a means of survival. For Li and men like him, the plum, which dares to bloom in the cold of late winter, was a symbol of perseverance in a world that did not appreciate their talents. Li’s love of blossoming plum was such that he named his studio the Plum Blossom Tower; it was there, in 1743, that he made this painting. The poem reads, in part: The mist engulfing the empty mountains hasn’t dissipated at dawn. In the dim light it reflects upon itself whose talent is appreciated by none other. Exemplary of the spirit against winter’s bitter cold, it cannot be subdued. New signs have arrived from heaven. —Translation by Shi-yee Liu

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