Bowl with imaginary composite flowers

Bowl with imaginary composite flowers

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The blossoms and leaves on this bowl illustrate an imaginary flower that combines elements of the peony, lotus, chrysanthemum, pomegranate, and other plants. Intended to represent majesty and beauty, this decorative flower (often known as a baoxianghua) first appeared in the sixth or seventh century. Flowers are not found as motifs in Chinese art prior to this period, and it is possible they were introduced with Buddhist imagery.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Bowl with imaginary composite flowersBowl with imaginary composite flowersBowl with imaginary composite flowersBowl with imaginary composite flowersBowl with imaginary composite flowers

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.