Dongfang Shuo stealing peaches of longevity

Dongfang Shuo stealing peaches of longevity

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Dongfang Shuo was an official at the court of Han Emperor Wu (r. 141–87 B.C.) known for his quick wit and humorous quips. He has become a legendary figure in Chinese art: one finds his image in ceramics, hardstone carvings, lacquer, painting, and textiles. Here, he is depicted as a long-bearded old man running away from the garden of the Queen Mother of the West, a Chinese goddess. He carries on his shoulders the peaches he has stolen, which are said to have the magic power to extend life.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Dongfang Shuo stealing peaches of longevityDongfang Shuo stealing peaches of longevityDongfang Shuo stealing peaches of longevityDongfang Shuo stealing peaches of longevityDongfang Shuo stealing peaches of longevity

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.