Vessel in Shape of Crouching Tiger, Northern Qi (550–577)–Sui (581–618) dynasty, late 6th century. Stoneware with celadon glaze (Northern ware). H. 8 3/8 in (21.3 cm); W. 5 7/8 in. (14.9 cm); L.11 7/8 in. (30.2 cm). Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1960; 60.75.2 © 2000–2016 The Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

Fanciful vessels such as this were produced primarily in south China; however, examples in both clay and bronze have been found in the north as well. The shape has a long history and was first produced in the second and third centuries for pouring liquids.