Dish in the Shape of Four Ruyi with Floral Design, Yuan dynasty (1271–1368), China. Gold with repoussé and chased decoration; Diam. 6 5/16 in. (16 cm). Lent by Nanjing Museum

This gold dish is exemplary of gold work from South China. Its form and decoration are entirely Chinese and have no relation to the gold objects on view elsewhere in the exhibition, which bear the influence of the Mongolian steppe.

The Yuan dynasty was one of the most innovative periods in the decorative arts of China. The native arts of pottery and lacquer were transformed by the coming together of artistic traditions from the north and the south, while craftsmen brought into China from other areas of the greater Mongol Empire introduced new skills to weaving and metalwork.

Bottle with Phoenixes and Flowers, Yuan dynasty (1271–1368), China. Silver with parcel gilding; H. 11 15/16 in. (30.4 cm), Diam. of rim: 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm), Diam. of foot: 2 13/16 in. (7.2 cm). Lent by The Palace Museum

This bottle, along with a box also in the exhibition (see next image), is an example of a standard Yuan-period silver article.

Lobed Box with Phoenixes and Flowers, Yuan dynasty (1271–1368), China. Silver with chased decoration; H. 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm), Diam. of rim: 13 9/16 in. (34.4 cm), Diam. of rim: 10 7/16 in. (26.5 cm). Lent by Anhui Provincial Museum

Bottle, Yuan dynasty (1271–1368), China. Silver; H. 20 1/16 in. (51 cm), Diam. of rim: 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm), Diam. of foot: 4 5/8 in. (11.8 cm). Lent by Anhui Provincial Museum

Spouted Bowl, Yuan dynasty (1271–1368), China. Silver; H. 2 3/16 in. (5.5 cm), Diam. of rim: 7 1/16 in. (18 cm), Diam. of base: 4 11/16 in. (11.9 cm). Lent by Anhui Provincial Museum

This type of vessel, introduced from the north during the Yuan period, became popular in South China, and large numbers of porcelain versions were made.

"The world of Kubilai Khan" @ Metropolitan Museum New York, september 28, 2010 - january 2, 2011 www.metmuseum.org