On loan to The Met The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Lamp in the shape of a chimera
Originally used as an oil lamp, this type of ancient bronze takes the powerful form of a mythical beast. From the thirteenth century onward, these vessels were admired among literati and often used as water droppers on writing desks. They also inspired the production of archaistic work in a similar style.
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