Jewel-Holding Dragon

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The dragon is the only mythical beast included in the zodiac. A cosmological symbol of Chinese origin, the dragon is associated with water and is often depicted emerging from vapor and clouds to produce rain. Represented here is the dragon of Handaka Sonja (one of the sixteen special disciples of Buddha), shown emerging from an alms bowl and holding a jewel (tama).

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