Bird-shaped vessel

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Continuing the tradition of bird-shaped funerary objects, this may have been a ritual vessel that could also be used as a water dropper, filled at the opening on top and poured from the beak. The bird’s feathers are represented by the ridged back as well as with four different circular patterns stamped on the body.

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