Amphora with dragon-shaped handles

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Owing to their large oval bodies and narrow cylindrical necks, vessels of this type have traditionally been called "amphorae" and were said to be based on the ancient Greek jar with essentially the same contours. Recently, however, it has been suggested that the shape is derived from Roman glass and metalwork that came to China over the Silk Road. This Western shape has been modified here by the addition of two Chinese features, the high, arched dragon-headed handles and a cupped mouth.

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