Chair strip with phoenixes

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

In a traditional Chinese reception hall, chairs for the hosts are set in pairs on either side of a central table and are covered with textiles that are not adhered directly onto the furniture. Made with velvet, the textiles provide not only comfort but also a pleasing aesthetic due to their shine and elegance. Here, the motif of phoenixes among peonies symbolizes noble women, making these pieces suitable for use in a lady’s quarters.

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