Daoist Deity Zhenwu

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Daoist god known as Zhenwu is the personification of the ancient symbol of the north, an entwined tortoise and snake. In the eleventh century, this powerful symbol was given a human form by the Song emperors, who erected temples to worship the deity. Zhenwu became particularly popular during the Ming dynasty, when he was revered as a protector of the empire and the imperial family. This version employs the two-color decoration scheme of Cizhou ceramics to create a visually striking robe for Zhenwu. It was created for personal veneration on a home altar.

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