Vase

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Clear glass was likely initially produced at the Qing court to create lenses for telescopes and other practical tools before being put to more decorative use through the creation of small bottles, boxes, and vases. Since glass and enamel share a similar chemical composition, the cobalt pigment that lends this vessel its deep blue color was likely also used in enameling of the period.

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