Dish with Fans Floating on a Stream

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Although various patterns in underglaze cobalt-blue appeared on the exterior of the proto-and early Nabeshima wares, the classic pattern that appears on many of the pieces from the 1680s onward is the cash and comb pattern seen here. The cash is tied with ribbon and appears on the exterior rim of the piece; the comb pattern appears around the exterior of the footring.

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