Valance

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Qing dynasty (1644–1911), early 18th century Silk and metallic thread embroidery on silk satin Birds, flowers, and pomegranates flank an exuberant and prolific peach tree at the center of this embroidered valance, which is imbued with themes of fertility and longevity. Below the tree is a stream in which floats an imposing golden bell, antique in form, accompanied by a halberd and a musical stone, two items that form the rebus for a celebratory occasion.

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