Images

Stone votive lanterns at the Kasuga Taisha Shinto shrine, Nara, Japan. Founded in 768 CE (or 710 CE) during the Nara period.

Life-size basalt statue of the Apis Bull dedicated by Hadrian to Serapis in Alexandria (Egypt), Osiris, Sunken Mysteries of Egypt exhibition, Paris (2015)

Votive lanterns at the Kasuga Taisha Shinto shrine, Nara, Japan. Founded in 768 CE (or 710 CE) during the Nara period.

The huge bronze Buddha in the Daibutsuden or Great Buddha Hall at the Todaiji temple complex, Nara, Japan. c. 752 CE, Nara Period. Height: 15 metres (49 ft.).

The Daibutsuden or Great Buddha Hall of the Todaiji temple complex, Nara, Japan. First built in the 8th century CE, the building today was built in the middle of the Edo Period (1603-1867 CE).

The Daibutsuden or Great Buddha Hall of the Todaiji temple complex, Nara, Japan. First built in the 8th century CE, the building today was built in the middle of the Edo Period (1603-1867 CE).

A Japanese sanage ware jug with natural glaze. Nara Period, 8th century CE. (Tokyo National Museum)

A seated Nikko Bosatsu (Suryaprabha). Lacquered wood with gilding. Nara Period, 8th century CE. Important Cultural Property. (Tokyo National Museum)

An eight-lobed cast bronze mirror with flowers and luan (a mythical bird) decoration. From Mount Tsuwado, Mukuno, Yamaga-machi, Kitsuki-shi, Oita, Japan. Nara Period, 8th century CE. Tokyo National Museum)

A terracotta haniwa (tomb marker) in the form of a bird. Perhaps from the tomb of Emperor Ojin, Habikino-shi, Osaka, Japan. Kofun Period, 5th century CE. (Tokyo National Museum)