Buddhist column

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The column depicts Buddha and his disciples in a mountain landscape. Jade, the material used here, is a hard mineral that is difficult to carve; this piece’s intricate detail and lustrous finish demonstrate the great skill and patience of the Chinese craftsmen who created it.

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