Jar with dragon and stylized character for longevity (shou)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Ming emperor Jiajing was known for his fervent interest in Daoism, in which longevity is a cherished goal. This magnificent jar, fired in the imperial workshop, marries the imperial aesthetic with Jiajing’s Daoist sensibility. The stylized character for longevity (shou) is chased by two five-clawed dragons, symbols of imperial power.

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