Vase decorated with bats and peaches amid scrolling floral vines and “double happiness” character

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The bats and peaches on this vase celebrate happiness and longevity. The character meaning “double happiness” (shuangxi 囍), which alludes to marital harmony, heightens the auspiciousness of the combined symbols.

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