Rectangular tray with peonies and birds

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The plump birds flying above the peonies on this densely carved tray may be magpies or sparrows, both of which are considered good omens in Chinese culture.

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