Asian Cultural and Religious Art

Textile and paintings depicting significant moments in Asian spirituality, showcasing rich colors and themes of divine messages, ceremonies, and mythological narratives.

Golden procession in Wat Phra Kaew murals, Grand Palace; Bangkok, Thailand

Wall Hanging Depicting the Death of the Buddha (Paranirvana). Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912), late 19th century. Textiles; embroidery. Silk with silk- and metallic-thread embroidery

The Archangel Gabriel brings a message to the Prophet, 16th century manuscript Topkapi Palace Istanbul, Turkey

Washing the Sacred Elephant Unidentified artist. Washing the Sacred Elephant 51708

Japan: Bugaku dancers depicted in a horizontal emaki scroll painting, the Makura no Soshi Ekotoba, Kamakura Period (1185-1333), 12th-13th Century

Seven Gods of Good Fortune and Chinese Children 17th-18th century Kano Chikanobu Japanese In this screen, three of the seven gods of good fortune (Daikoku, Ebisu, and Hotei) and a group of Chinese children serve as visual references to wealth, prosperity, and abundance. Some of the children pull a flower cart (hana-guruma) laden with a bamboo basket overflowing with peonies (emblematic of riches and honor) and other flowers associated with good fortune. The figures display the artists awareness of Chinese traditions; in China the theme of One Hundred Boys was a popular and auspicious subject for painting, and in Japan the motif of karako (Tang-Dynasty Children) symbolized longevity and health for offspring. The elegant fusion of ink and colors and the tight spatial composition mark an accomplished Kano-studio product.. Seven Gods of Good Fortune and Chinese Children. Kano Chikanobu (Japanese, 1660-1728). Japan. 17th-18th century. Six-panel folding screen; ink, color, and gilt on paper

Ancient Buddhist temple mural painting of the life of Buddha inside in Bangkok, Thailand

Musicians, detail from Amrita-Raja banner, 1755, colour on silk, ambrosia painting, from the temple of Kukch'ong-Sa, South Korea. Detail. Korean Civilisation, Joseon dynasty, 18th century.

Golden procession in Wat Phra Kaew murals, Grand Palace; Bangkok, Thailand

Hikawa Sairei Emaki A procession featuring men with swords a two men pulling a two-wheeled cart carrying the head of a demon The Festival at Hikawa shrine. 1680. Drawings. Spencer Collection. Festivals , Japan

'Hua Xin Talks with Cao Cao'. China, City of Yanlyutsin, late 19th - early 20th century. Dimensions: 60x35 cm. Museum: State Hermitage, St. Petersburg.

Thai mural painting of Lanna people life in the past on temple wall in Chiang Rai, Thailand

Twelve Temples in Kumano /TSUNOHAZU KUMANO JUMANO JUMANO JUMANO JUMANO JUNISHA, ZOKUSHO JUNISO HIROSHIGE, Ichiryusai (1797 1858)

Oiran () were the courtesans of Edo period Japan. The oiran were considered a type of yujo () 'woman of pleasure' or prostitute. However, they were distinguished from the yujo in that they were entertainers, and many became celebrities of their times outside the pleasure districts. Their art and fashions often set trends among the wealthy and, because of this, cultural aspects of oiran traditions continue to be preserved to this day. The oiran arose in the Edo period (1600-1868). At this time, laws were passed restricting brothels to walled districts set some distance from the city center. In the major cities these were the Shimabara in Kyoto, the Shinmachi in Osaka, and the Yoshiwara in Edo (present-day Tokyo). These rapidly grew into large, self-contained 'pleasure quarters' offering all manner of entertainments. Within, a courtesan’s birth rank held no distinction, which was fortunate considering many of the courtesans originated as the daughters of impoverished families who wer

North Korean propaganda image of children celebrating the Lunar, New Year, 1963.

Wat Buak Khrok Luang, located in Ban Buak Khrok Luang Moo 1, Chiang Mai - Sankamphaeng Road, Chiang Mai, is a small and typically northern Thai Buddhist temple. It is believed to have been founded in the 15th century during the time of the independent Lan Na Kingdom (1292-1558), and was extensively restored during the reign of Chao Kaew Naowarat (r.1911-1939), the last King of Chiang Mai. The temple is chiefly noteworthy for its main viharn, which is purely Lan Na in inspiration, with a four-tiered roof and elegant naga balustrade entrance. The most remarkable aspect of the viharn is its extensive mural paintings, dating from around 1835 during the reign of Chao Phuttawong (r.1826-1846), the fourth ruler of the Chiang Mai Thipchang Dynasty. The murals, which are northern Thai in style with clear elements of Shan State and Konbaung Dynasty Burmese influence, are among the best in northern Thailand. They feature the jataka stories, past lives of the Buddha, and are interspersed with vern

Buddhist Priest's Vestment (Kesa) with Phoenix 19th century Japan A spectacular phoenix with cascading tail feathers dominates this large tapestry-like expanse of fabric; below it is a branch of paulownia. As a motif, this fantastic creature reached Japan from China. According to Chinese tradition, the phoenix appears at times of peace and prosperity, singing in a paulownia tree during the just rule of a benevolent emperor. This is a Japanese Buddhist priests vestment (kesa), an outer garment usually worn draped over the left shoulder. Traditionally kesa are made of many small pieces sewn together in a configuration of columns. This kesa was woven in one piece; however, the columnar design is indicated with a cord that is sewn to the surface.. Buddhist Priest's Vestment (Kesa) with Phoenix 65087

Japan, Shikoku, Kotohira, Kabuki Theatre, poster,

Two Actors in a Play, Torii School, ink and colors, 18th century

Futamigaura. Print shows a woman in a sedan chair with porters and a male traveller stopping to admire the twin rock formations, also known as the Meoto-iwa or Wedded rocks, at Futamigaura in the Ise Province.

Buddhism in Mongolia derives much of its recent characteristics from Tibetan Buddhism of the Gelugpa school. Traditionally, Mongols worshiped heaven (the 'clear blue sky') and their ancestors, and they followed ancient northern Asian practices of shamanism, in which human intermediaries went into trance and spoke to and for some of the numberless infinities of spirits responsible for human luck or misfortune. Although the emperors of the Yuan Dynasty in the 14th and 15th century had already converted to Tibetan Buddhism, the Mongols returned to their old shamanist ways after the collapse of their empire. In 1578 Altan Khan, a Mongol military leader with ambitions to unite the Mongols and to emulate the career of Chinggis, invited the head of the rising Yellow Sect of Tibetan Buddhism to a summit. They formed an alliance that gave Altan Khan legitimacy and religious sanction for his imperial pretensions and that provided the Buddhist school with protection and patronage.

The Ramayana is a story as old as time and - at least in the Indian subcontinent and across much of Southeast Asia - of unparalleled popularity. More than two thousand three hundred years ago the scholar-poet Valmiki sat down to write his definitive epic of love and war. The poem Valmiki composed is styled the Ramayana, or 'Romance of Rama' in Sanskrit. In its present form, the Sanskrit version consists of some 24,000 couplets divided into seven books. The Ramakien is the Thai version of this epic and has an important influence on Thai literature, art and drama. It is regarded as the National Epic of Thailand. Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha); full official name Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. It is located within the precincts of the Grand Palace. The Grand Palace served as the official residence of the Kings of Thailand from the 18th century onwards. Construction of the Palace began in 1782, during the reign of Ki

The thirty-seven nats 7. Mintárá nat. 8. Thandawgán nat.. Illustrations. 1906. General Research Division. Religion , Burma, Thrones, Fans (Accessories) , Burma

Maffet Ledger: Indian on horseback, soldier ca. 1874-81 Southern and Northern Cheyenne. Maffet Ledger: Indian on horseback, soldier 765967

Dancer with mask and musicians, Iran, circa 1839

Hinduism, hindu art, himalayan academy art, religion, spirituality, artist S. Rajam, buddha, buddhism, gautama siddharta, prince siddharta sees suffering, prince siddharta sees old age, prince siddharta sees death, death, suffering, old age Copyright: xHimalayanxAcademy/DinodiaxPhotox

Part of a set of five hanging scrolls entitled 'Extermination of Evil', depicting benevolent deities who expel demons of plague. This scroll was originally part of a handscroll known as the 'Second edition of the Masuda family Hell Scroll' before being cut into sections after World War II. The text on the scroll explains the acts of the god in exterminating evil. Shoki is a legendary Chinese deity who protected Emperor Xuanzong of Tang from evil demons. He is depicted with large eyes and a thick beard wearing a black robe, wide hat and boots. The set of five scrolls has been designated as a National Treasure of Japan in the category 'Paintings'.

Krishna Blessed by the Elephant Airavat, from a History of the Lord (Bhagavata Purana)manuscript

Durga and Gods Against the Demon Army, Folio from a Durga Sapta Sati. India, Himachal Pradesh, Guler, circa 1760. Drawings. Ink and opaque watercolor on paper

Large group, two figures wearing masks.. Paintings, Prints. 1850. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Art & Architecture Collection. Painting, Chinese, Costumes , Chinese, Masks , China

Laos, Luang Prabang. Mosaic mural depicting a group of people while one man pokes at two snakes with a stick.

The Hindu Deities Vishnu (Baby Krishna), Brahma, and Shiva (Mahadeva). India, Karnataka, 18th century. Drawings. Ink and opaque watercolor on paper

Pema Osel Ling Monastery. Golden Dharma wheel. Buddhism sacred symbol. Dharmachakra. Wall painting..

Monkey Temple. Japan, 19th century. Prints; woodblocks. Page from a woodblock printed book

Spanish installation and construction of Jesuit churches and missions, detail of the Tapestry of Coacoatzintla, artefact from Jalapa (1555).

Mantle ("The Paracas Textile") Nasca. Mantle ("The Paracas Textile"), 100-300 C.E. Cotton, camelid fiber, 24 5/8 × 58 11/16 in. (62.5 × 149 cm). This extraordinarily complex mantle, or cloak, is one of the most renowned Andean textiles in the world. It was most likely used as a ceremonial object. The ninety figures decorating the border, created by needle knitting, have been interpreted as a microcosm of life on Perus South Coast two thousand years ago, with a particular focus on agriculture. Many of the images illustrate native flora and fauna as well as cultivated plants. Costumed figures may represent humans impersonating gods and acting as intermediaries between the real and supernatural worlds. Severed human trophy heads are shown as germinating seeds, suggesting the practice of ritual sacrifice and the interconnected cycles of birth and death. Este extraordinariamente complejo manto, o capa, es uno de los textiles andinos más conocidos en el mundo. Fue usado probablemente como

Mexican painted book. Codex Zouche. Pre-Columbian. Mixtec Aztec. Ritual sacrifice.

Mural details at Wat Phra Sing, Chiang Mai, Thailand, Southeast Asia, Asia

The Demon Queller Zhong Kui Giving His Sister Away in Marriage Yan Geng Chinese Here, the legendary "demon queller" Zhong Kui leads his sister to her new home accompanied by an escort of demons performing feats of martial prowess. The comic climax to this spectacle is Zhong Kui himselfstone drunk and propped atop a small donkey by three retainers while his sister sits helplessly astride a recalcitrant water buffalo. The painting illustrates a rebus: "marrying off one's sister" (jia mei) is a pun for "subjugating demons."Yan Geng may have derived inspiration from actual New Year's processions, during which costumed figures impersonating Zhong Kui and his band of demons circulated through neighborhoods and banished evil in return for payment. Paintings on this subject clearly enjoyed widespread appeal, perhaps serving as auspicious gifts for the New Year.. The Demon Queller Zhong Kui Giving His Sister Away in Marriage. Yan Geng (active late 13th century). China. Handscroll; ink on silk.

RELICARIO DE SANTA LUCIA - SIGLO XIV - DETALLE DEL ESMALTE - SANTA LUCIA EN LA HOGUERA. Location: CATEDRAL-INTERIOR. Toledo. SPAIN.

Close-up of a banner, Shandong Province, China

The Taiping Rebellion was a widespread civil war in southern China from 1850 to 1864, led by heterodox Christian convert Hong Xiuquan, who, having received visions, maintained that he was the younger brother of Jesus Christ, against the ruling Manchu-led Qing Dynasty. About 20 million people died, mainly civilians, in one of the deadliest military conflicts in history. Hong established the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom with its capital at Nanjing. The Kingdom's army controlled large parts of southern China, at its height containing about 30 million people. The rebels attempted social reforms believing in shared 'property in common' and the replacement of Confucianism, Buddhism and Chinese folk religion with a form of Christianity. The Taiping troops were nicknamed 'Longhairs' (simplified Chinese: 毛; traditional Chinese: 長毛; pinyin: Chángmáo) by the Qing government. The Taiping areas were besieged by Qing forces throughout most of the rebellion. The Qing government crushed the rebellion wit

Bhutan, Thimphu, Painting of dragon

Museum of the Orient. The Buddhist ceremony of Nehan'e. Commemoration of the death of Buddha. Lisbon. Portugal.

Woman's Ceremonial Robe 18th or early 19th century China This warmly padded ceremonial robe with roundels would have been worn by a Manchu woman for celebrations of the winter months, but the embroidered flowers in decorative containers are from all the seasons, including a lotus for summer, a chrysanthemum for autumn, nandina berries for winter, and plum blossoms for spring, as well as the full-blown peony with an orchid in the center vase.. Woman's Ceremonial Robe. China. 18th or early 19th century. Silk. Qing dynasty (1644-1911). Costumes-Embroidered

Detail of a mural painting in the Uposatha (shrine hall) of Buddhapadipa temple

Tsurumeso at the Gion Festival. Hangrolschildering in doos.

Two guards lead a man bound with chains.. Paintings, Prints. 1850. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Art & Architecture Collection. Painting, Chinese, Punishment & torture , China, Costumes , Chinese

Vietnam, Hoi An, Cantonese Assembly Hall,

Temple in Luang Prabang November 27,2016,Luang Prabang, Laos. Decorations and statues in temple Copyright: xZoonar.com/MassimoxLamax 11706568

Mural by contemporary artist Kapkaew Suwannakut, depicting Buddha´s vicory over Mara, Wat Si Khon Kham, Payao, Northern Thailand, Southeast Asia, Asia

Thai women dressing up, detail of mural painting ,Bangkok, Thailand

Hste Yang, Procession of the Blue Dragon

Laos, Luang Prabang. Detail of mosaic decorations depicting people on the side of a building.

India, Mysore, painting of Ayurvedig treatment

Lak Muang (Lak Mueang) are City pillars found in most cities of Thailand. Usually housed in a shrine which is also believed to house Chao Pho Lak Mueang, the city spirit deity; it is held in high esteem by citizens. It was probably King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I), who erected the first city pillar on April 21, 1782, when he moved his capital from Thonburi to Bangkok. The shrine was actually the first building of his new capital, the Palace and other buildings were created later. Wat Chedi Luang translates literally from the Thai as Monastery of the Great Stupa’. Construction of the temple began at the end of the 14th century when the Lan Na Kingdom was in its prime. King Saen Muang Ma (1385-1401) intended it as the site of a great reliquary to enshrine the ashes of his father, King Ku Na (1355-85). Today it is the the site of the Lak Muang or City Pillar. The annual Inthakin ceremony occurs within the confines of the temple. Chiang Mai (meaning 'new city'), sometimes written as '

8. Kreuzweg, Jesus trifft die Töchter Jerusalems, Kirche St. Johannes in Piflas, Deutschland 8th Stations of the Cross,Jesus meets the daughters of Jerusalem, Church of St. John in Piflas, Germany Copyright: xZoonar.com/ZvonimirxAtletix 23084323

Tinh Xa Ngoc Chau pagoda. Buddhism teaching. Chau Doc. Vietnam.

Prince Siddhartha escapes his palace, accompanied by Channa aboard his horse Kanthaka, scene from the life of the Buddha, Seoul, South Korea, Asia

Barong celebrations, fabric painting. Java (Indonesia) Civilisation.

Punishment by cangue, or wooden pillory. 1801 - 1900. Paintings. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Art & Architecture Collection. Painting, Chinese, Clothing & dress , China, Punishment & torture , China, Baskets , China

A hand-drawn, hand-coloured watercolour from the late 19th century by an unknown Burmese artist. The name of the ethnic group featured appears near the top of the picture in Shan script (left), Burmese script (Centre) and Khun script (right). Khun script was formerly used in Kengtung / Kyaingtong in eastern Shan State and in Lan Na or Lanna, northern Thailand. The Akha are an ethnic minority hilltribe that is indigenous to Burma, Thailand, Laos and China's Yunnan Province with a total population estimated to be about half a million.

Case (Inrō) with Fox Wedding Procession 19th century In the style of Shibata Zeshin Japanese. Case (Inrō) with Fox Wedding Procession 36078

Hindu symbol of the Universe. Creation myth. Engraving, 19th century.

Lak Muang (Lak Mueang) are City pillars found in most cities of Thailand. Usually housed in a shrine which is also believed to house Chao Pho Lak Mueang, the city spirit deity; it is held in high esteem by citizens. It was probably King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I), who erected the first city pillar on April 21, 1782, when he moved his capital from Thonburi to Bangkok. The shrine was actually the first building of his new capital, the Palace and other buildings were created later. Wat Chedi Luang translates literally from the Thai as Monastery of the Great Stupa’. Construction of the temple began at the end of the 14th century when the Lan Na Kingdom was in its prime. King Saen Muang Ma (1385-1401) intended it as the site of a great reliquary to enshrine the ashes of his father, King Ku Na (1355-85). Today it is the the site of the Lak Muang or City Pillar. The annual Inthakin ceremony occurs within the confines of the temple. Chiang Mai (meaning 'new city'), sometimes written as '

The Ramayana is a story as old as time and - at least in the Indian subcontinent and across much of Southeast Asia - of unparalleled popularity. More than two thousand three hundred years ago the scholar-poet Valmiki sat down to write his definitive epic of love and war. The poem Valmiki composed is styled the Ramayana, or 'Romance of Rama' in Sanskrit. In its present form, the Sanskrit version consists of some 24,000 couplets divided into seven books. The Ramakien is the Thai version of this epic and has an important influence on Thai literature, art and drama. It is regarded as the National Epic of Thailand. Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha); full official name Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. It is located within the precincts of the Grand Palace. The Grand Palace served as the official residence of the Kings of Thailand from the 18th century onwards. Construction of the Palace began in 1782, during the reign of Ki

Burma/Myanmar: Gold stencilled (lai kham) paintings on the inner wall of the main viharn at Wat Jong Kham, Kyaing Tong (Kengtung), Shan State (2015)

Vimalakirti and the Doctrine of Nonduality dated 1308 Wang Zhenpeng Chinese This handscroll depicts an episode from the Vimalakirti Sutra, the Buddhist scripture in which Vimalakirti, a layman, and Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, engage in a theological debate. According to the sutra, Vimalakirti proved the more subtle by remaining silent when asked to explain the ultimate meaning of the Buddhist Law. The subject appealed to China's Confucian elite, for it demonstrated how a cultured layman could surpass even a deity in his understanding of doctrine.The scroll is a rare example of a preparatory draft, submitted for the approval of the future Emperor Renzong (r. 1311-20) before a final version in color was executed. Listen to experts illuminate this artwork's story Listen Play or pause #7361. Vimalakirti and the Doctrine of Nonduality Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies We're sorry, the transcript for this audio track is not available at this time. We are working to make it avai

Temple Banner, 19th century, W.18-1/2 x L.79 in., satin, cotton, silk, embroidery, China, 19th century

Chinese figures inspecting a painted scroll. Painting by a Chinese artist, ca. 1850.

Lak Muang (Lak Mueang) are City pillars found in most cities of Thailand. Usually housed in a shrine which is also believed to house Chao Pho Lak Mueang, the city spirit deity; it is held in high esteem by citizens. It was probably King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I), who erected the first city pillar on April 21, 1782, when he moved his capital from Thonburi to Bangkok. The shrine was actually the first building of his new capital, the Palace and other buildings were created later. Wat Chedi Luang translates literally from the Thai as Monastery of the Great Stupa’. Construction of the temple began at the end of the 14th century when the Lan Na Kingdom was in its prime. King Saen Muang Ma (1385-1401) intended it as the site of a great reliquary to enshrine the ashes of his father, King Ku Na (1355-85). Today it is the the site of the Lak Muang or City Pillar. The annual Inthakin ceremony occurs within the confines of the temple. Chiang Mai (meaning 'new city'), sometimes written as '

Pema Osel Ling Monastery. The wheel of life or the bhavacakra is a symbolic representation of saṃsara. Yama, the god of death. Wall painting..

Scholars meeting in garden to enjoy food and conversation, Chinese painting attributed to 12th century Emperor Huizong, detail

Thailand, Bangkok, Royal Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew Buddhist Temple

South Korea, Arts, Painting, Detail Of Figure In A Buddhist Temple Painting

Cireur de souliers - Υποδηματοκαθαριστής , Shoe shining, Shoe shiners, Priests. Nicholas Catsimpoolas Collection

Traditional Chinese Painting, Lucky Patterns, crane and pine for longevity

Lord Vishnu lying on the thousand-headed lord of the serpents, Anantha. Gouache painting by an Indian artist.

Tying him to a stone. 1801 - 1900. Paintings. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Art & Architecture Collection. Painting, Chinese, Clothing & dress , China, Punishment & torture , China, Fans (Accessories) , Chinese

Parade of people from the five countries, Utagawa Sadahide, 1861 print Middle leaf of triptych. paper festivities on events of national importance. folk costume, regional costume. human races; peoples; nationalities

Temple of City God, Foochow. Temple of City God, Foochow

Nove Mesto, East Bohemia, Czech Republic; A fresco on one of the main churches

In Javanese wayang (shadow puppets), the panakawan or panakavan (phanakavhan) are the clown servants of the hero. There are four of them - Semar (also known as Ki Lurah Semar), Petruk, Gareng and Bagong. Semar is the personification of a deity, sometimes said to the be the dhanyang or guardian spirit of the island of Java. In Javanese mythology, deities can only manifest themselves as ugly or otherwise unprepossessing humans, and so Semar is always portrayed as short and fat with a pug nose and a dangling hernia. His three companions are his adopted sons, given to Semar as votaries by their parents. Petruk is portrayed as tall and gangling with a long nose, Gareng as short with a club foot and Bagong as obese. Wayang is a Javanese word for particular kinds of theatre (literally 'shadow'). When the term is used to refer to kinds of puppet theatre, sometimes the puppet itself is referred to as wayang. Performances of shadow puppet theatre are accompanied by gamelan in Java. UNESCO design

A hand-drawn, hand-coloured watercolour from the late 19th century by an unknown Burmese artist. The name of the ethnic group featured appears near the top of the picture in Shan script (left), Burmese script (Centre) and Khun script (right). Khun script was formerly used in Kengtung / Kyaingtong in eastern Shan State and in Lan Na or Lanna, northern Thailand. The Tai ethnicity refers collectively to the ethnic groups of southern China and Southeast Asia, stretching from Hainan to eastern India and from southern Sichuan to Laos, Thailand, and parts of Vietnam, which speak languages in the Tai family and share similar traditions and festivals, including the water festival. Despite never having a unified nation-state of their own, the peoples also have historically shared a vague idea of a 'Siam' nation, corrupted to Shan or Assam in some places. The majority of Tai Lu live around Xishuangbanna in Yunnan Province in southern China. Other Tai Lu villages can be found in Laos, Vietnam, Tha

Rank Badge with Qilin for Military Official (First or SecondRank)

Central America, Panama, San Blas Islands (aka Kuna Yala). Colorful hand stitched molas made by the Kuna Indians.

A div (demon) is bound and cast into cave by a woman. Gouache painting by an Indian artist, ca. 1850().

Mantle ("The Paracas Textile") Nasca. Mantle ("The Paracas Textile"), 100-300 C.E. Cotton, camelid fiber, 24 5/8 × 58 11/16 in. (62.5 × 149 cm). This extraordinarily complex mantle, or cloak, is one of the most renowned Andean textiles in the world. It was most likely used as a ceremonial object. The ninety figures decorating the border, created by needle knitting, have been interpreted as a microcosm of life on Perus South Coast two thousand years ago, with a particular focus on agriculture. Many of the images illustrate native flora and fauna as well as cultivated plants. Costumed figures may represent humans impersonating gods and acting as intermediaries between the real and supernatural worlds. Severed human trophy heads are shown as germinating seeds, suggesting the practice of ritual sacrifice and the interconnected cycles of birth and death. Este extraordinariamente complejo manto, o capa, es uno de los textiles andinos más conocidos en el mundo. Fue usado probablemente como

pig drawn cart, Kalachakcra buddhist mandala, Dalai Lama gift, pollensa museum, Majorca, Balearic Islands, Spain.

Pema Osel Ling Monastery. The wheel of life or the bhavacakra is a symbolic representation of saṃsara. Wall painting..

An Angel of Islam, Asia - Magazine Covers

Journey to the West' is one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. Originally published anonymously in the 1590s during the Ming Dynasty, its authorship has been ascribed to the scholar Wu Cheng'en since the 20th century. In English-speaking countries, the tale is also often known simply as Monkey. The novel is a fictionalised account of the legendary pilgrimage to India of the Buddhist monk Xuanzang. The monk travelled to the Western Regions during the Tang dynasty, to obtain sacred texts (sūtras). The Bodhisattva Guan Yin, on instruction from the Buddha, gives this task to the monk and his three protectors in the form of disciples namely Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing together with a dragon prince who acts as Xuanzang's steed, a white horse. These four characters have agreed to help Xuanzang as an atonement for past sins. Zhangye is an important light industrial and agricultural centre at the heart of the Hexi Corridor with a population of about 200,000.

The Ramayana is a story as old as time and - at least in the Indian subcontinent and across much of Southeast Asia - of unparalleled popularity. More than two thousand three hundred years ago the scholar-poet Valmiki sat down to write his definitive epic of love and war. The poem Valmiki composed is styled the Ramayana, or 'Romance of Rama' in Sanskrit. In its present form, the Sanskrit version consists of some 24,000 couplets divided into seven books. The Ramakien is the Thai version of this epic and has an important influence on Thai literature, art and drama. It is regarded as the National Epic of Thailand. Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha); full official name Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. It is located within the precincts of the Grand Palace. The Grand Palace served as the official residence of the Kings of Thailand from the 18th century onwards. Construction of the Palace began in 1782, during the reign of Ki

Life of Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. Prince Siddhartha cut off his hair to renounce the worldly life at the bank of the Anoma River. Long Duc buddhist temple. Tan Chau. Vietnam.

Anti-Religion Propaganda Poster, "Savior", Bezbozhnik u Stanka Magazine, Illustration by Mikhail Cheremnykh, Russia, 1920's

A Korean 'gama' was a closed chair used by upper classes and nobles, both men and women. This anonymous watercolour on mulberry paper painting shows four porters, two in front and two at the rear, holding long poles through an enclosed palanquin. In Korea, royalty and aristocrats were carried in elaborately decorated litters called gama. Gamas were primarily used by royalty and government officials. There were six types of gama, each assigned to different government official rankings. In traditional weddings, the bride and groom are carried to the ceremony in separate gamas. Because of the difficulties posed by the mountainous terrain of the Korean peninsula and the lack of paved roads, gamas were preferred over wheeled vehicles.

Jizo-Bosatsu scroll. Yata-Dera Temple. Muromachi Period. 13th cent. Hell of Fire.

Greek Orthodox icon depicting St. George slaying a dragon in St. George´s Orthodox church, Madaba, Jordan, Middle East

Mexico: a sheet of an Aztec document showing a serpent with other divinatory figures. Coloured aquatint by D. Klemi-Bonatti, ca. 1820.

Lord Krishna as a cowherd, attending to the cows. Gouache painting by an Indian artist.

Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Temple of the Thousand Buddhas. Wheel of Samsara. La Boulaye. France.

of 2