Fairy and Crane

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The young lady walking on a bridge, carrying a long-handled sickle and a basket of plants, and accompanied by a white crane, may be Magu, a famous Chinese fairy who symbolizes eternal youth. She brews immortal wine from magic plants, such as those in her basket, and artworks with her image are ideal birthday gifts. In addition to the refined embroidery on this panel, tiny pearls and coral beads are used to render the white crane and the red pomegranate seeds.

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