Quadrangular vase in the form of a Neolithic ritual jade object (cong)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The shape of this vase derives from that of early jades and illustrates the interest in earlier bronze and jade shapes that characterized Chinese culture during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Like other shapes that were revived during this period, the shape of this vase continued to be used in ceramic and metalwork for centuries.

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