Toy in the form of a makara

Toy in the form of a makara

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The makara—a mythical aquatic creature that is part crocodile, part fish—served as a vehicle for nature deities in early Buddhist art. This clay model was once wheeled, perhaps as a child’s toy. Some versions may have been placed near rivers to ensure protection from aquatic dangers.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Toy in the form of a makaraToy in the form of a makaraToy in the form of a makaraToy in the form of a makaraToy in the form of a makara

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.