The Willow Shell (Yanagi-kai), from an Untitled Set of Beauty Prints on the Theme of Shells

Chōbunsai Eishi

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Chōbunsai Eishi created this series on the theme of shells, but it seems he made up some varieties, such as this one: there is no such thing as a “willow shell.” The artist appears to be creating a visual pun: The poem refers to akoyagai (pearl oyster) shells, named after Akoya Bay in Aichi prefecture, where pearl oysters were once harvested. The branch of budding willow held by the standing courtesan resembles strands of pearls.

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