Vase with archaic-style motifs

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This extravagant vase epitomizes the innovative spirit of archaistic bronze design in the fourteenth century. The clever design makes this vessel appear much larger than its actual size. The illusion of height is created by the vessel’s elongated neck, tall foot, and outward curving handles. The ornamental bands encircling the vessel are derived from fanciful designs in contemporary woodblock-printed antiquarian books. Not satisfied to copy an ancient model, however, the artist who designed this vessel was intent on creating a “new antique.” He did this by combining decorative motifs from different models and time periods.

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