Stem cup

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Occupying a portion of the ancient Silk Road that bridged China and Central Asia, the Tibetan Empire played an active role in intercontinental trade and cultural exchange from the seventh to the ninth century. The twelve zodiac animals on this gold cup indicate the influence of Chinese culture, while the intertwined vines encircling hybrid animals reflect Sogdian and Persian metalwork of ancient Iran.

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