Water dropper in the shape of a crane, 18th century, Qing dynasty (1644–1911). Carnelian and white agate. H. 2 3/8 in. (6 cm); W. 3 1/8 in. (7.9 cm). Gift of Heber R. Bishop, 1902 (02.18.876a, b) © 2000–2016 The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

A crane holding a branch of peaches symbolizes longevity. The crane is believed to live for more than a thousand years and has been associated with immortals who would ride on its back. The peach is understood to have more potent life-extending power. In Chinese legend, the fruit grows on sacred trees in the garden of the Queen Mother of the West and ripens every three thousand years; a person who eats it will live forever.