Inkstone cabinet

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This cabinet would have held an inkstone and other accoutrements for writing. Accentuating the wood’s inherent qualities and minimally embellished with metallic fittings, it epitomizes literati aesthetics of modesty and austerity. Exploiting the varied tonalities of persimmon wood, the artisan formed the cabinet to highlight the dark grain across the surface. In its darkness and undulating shape, the streak resembles ink brushstrokes.

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