Fly Whisk

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

An instrument of literati dandyism in Chinese culture, the fly whisk is often depicted in early paintings and decorative arts, however, few actual examples are preserved. The hexagonal, tinted ivory handle of this piece is decorated with two rows of lotus petals. The macramé ferrule is edged with copper wire and has a raised design of an attenuated dragon chasing a tin pearl.

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