Birds among flowering branches against clouds

Birds among flowering branches against clouds

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

In this exuberant composition, various birds and plants are juxtaposed with cloud formations in colorful combinations. This tapestry was probably part of a larger decorative panel with hundreds of birds and a phoenix, a symbol of a group of loyal officials with a righteous ruler.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Birds among flowering branches against cloudsBirds among flowering branches against cloudsBirds among flowering branches against cloudsBirds among flowering branches against cloudsBirds among flowering branches against clouds

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.