Rectangular box in imitation of a pack of books

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The corner of this lid is inlaid with four characters: huang shi yi bian, meaning “inherited book from Yellowstone.” This inscription refers to a legend that Zhang Liang (ca. 250–186 B.C.), a founding strategist of the Han dynasty, had been given a secret book of strategy from the hermit Mr. Yellowstone. Its inclusion indicates that this box was probably used by the literati to present books or stationery. The chi dragon glaring at and grabbing the title appears to be a loyal guardian of the box’s content.

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