An old photograph of Caves 11 and 12 of the Ellora Caves in India. These caves, which were built between 600–730 CE, are three-storey monasteries cut out of a rock, with Vajrayana iconography inside [4096×3330]March 25, 2025
Two paintings depicting Hotei waking from a nap, and Hotei and a child, made by the Japanese monk Sengai Gibon (1750–1837 CE). Hotei is one of the most popular figures in Zen and recognized as an incarnation of Maitreya, the future Buddha [690×1040]March 25, 2025
A tapestry with fish motifs, from Antinoe in Egypt. Wool on linen, 2nd-3rd century CE, now housed at the Textile Museum in Lyon, France [2780×4320]March 25, 2025
The interior of the main chamber of the Palace of Ardashir Pāpakan in Iran. The palace was built in 224 CE by King Ardashir I, the founder of the Sasanian Empire [1080×1348]March 25, 2025
A 1300-year-old black lacquered leather belt, which belonged to the emperor Shōmu (701–756 CE), now housed at the Shōsō-in in Japan. The buckle is made of gilded silver, and the plaques are made of lapis lazuli. The top image is that of the original while the bottom one is a reproduction [1786×3119]March 24, 2025
An approximately 40-year-old man was buried in the tomb M16 at Majiayuan cemetery in Gansu, China. Among the grave goods found with the owner of the tomb, there were 3 luxurious belts, an arm bracelet, and 2 large semi-circular necklaces, one gold and one silver. 4th-3rd century BCE [1080×2271]March 24, 2025
A 2000-year-old Paracas ceremonial garment from Peru. It features linear embroidery on a flat black camelid fiber fabric, and its design includes geometric feline figures and other elements that decorate both the neckline and the interior of the garment [1200×800]March 24, 2025
The Marching Bear Group is made up of 10 bear-shaped mounds, built by the early Native Americans between 1250-900 years ago. The group which was first mapped in 1910, is located at Effigy Mounds National Monument in Iowa, USA [2736×3843]March 24, 2025
Clay puppets discovered at the Mesoamerican Preclassic site of San Isidro, El Salvador, about 2,400 years old. These were controlled by a string placed through the neck and the discoveries at San Isidro confound assumptions about ancient El Salvador being culturally undeveloped. [1071×643]March 24, 2025
Mirror back with goddess wearing butterfly headdress and attendants. Thought to be from Escuintla, Guatemala, but in Teotihuacán style, Classic period, ca. 400-550 AD. Slate with pigment. Cleveland Museum of Art collection [5216×4412]March 24, 2025
