Bowl imitating realgar

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The mineral realgar, also known as ruby sulphur because of its red and yellow coloration, has long been understood as an antidote to various venoms and as a substance able to repel evil. It was used in Chinese traditional medicine and added to wine, possibly as a flavoring or to increase its medicinal properties.

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