Crane, pine, and rock

Chen Zhaofeng

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Chen Zhaofeng painted for the court at the end of the nineteenth century, during the twilight of China’s imperial period. Although very little of his art survives, this example reveals a high level of technical accomplishment. The crane, pine, and rock are all symbols of longevity, making this painting appropriate to hang in a palace during a celebratory occasion such as an imperial birthday. Chen’s style follows that of the eighteenth-century court painter Shen Quan (1682–after 1762). Originally composed as a set of four hanging scrolls, this painting was remounted in Japan into its current screen format.

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