Imperial Court Robe

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

On this robe, woven from threads of silk and gold, five-clawed dragons (long), clouds, and flaming jewels appear against a rich blue ground above waves and mountains. Scattered among the dragons are variants of the Chinese character shou (longevity), making this robe an especially appropriate garment for birthday celebrations. The embroidered neck and sleeve bands were made later than the tapestry-woven textile used for the robe.

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