Rectangular tray with fish chime, treasures, and clouds

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The two fish on this tray are suspended from a pendant in the shape of an ancient stone chime, which represents wishes for happiness and abundance (yuqing). The twin fish is also one of the eight Buddhist treasures—the other seven are arranged in the foreground: a wheel, conch shell, umbrella, parasol, flower, jar, and double knot. Shown with bats and clouds, these symbols convey auspicious wishes beyond religious meaning.

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