Mirror with parrots and flowers

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

During the Tang dynasty, new species of parrots were brought in as tribute to the imperial court, first from the newly annexed territories in southwestern China, and subsequently from Southeast Asia. The latter soon became one of the most sought-after pets for their exotic look and colorful feathers, and their images a favorite subject in the arts.

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