Panel with the Chinese Character for Longevity (Shou)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Perfect for a birthday celebration and probably intended as a gift, this massive panel extends one of the most cherished wishes in Chinese tradition: longevity, in the form of the Chinese character for that blessing, shou. The tapestry is meticulously executed with gold threads that parallel calligraphic effects, including the use of smudged areas at the end of several strokes—a technique known as “flying white” that reveals the mobility and rhythm of brushstrokes found in writing.

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