Images

An illustration of Sei Shonagon, authoress of The Pillow Book, Japan, c. 1002 CE. (Edition of Hyakunin Isshu, Edo Period)

The hall of Dreams or Yumedono of the Buddhist Horyuji monastery, Nara, Japan. 739 CE.

The five-storey pagoda of the Buddhist Horyuji monastery, Nara, Japan. 607 CE. The pagoda is over 35 metres (100 ft.) high.

The Bell Tower at the Buddhist Horyuji monastery, Nara, Japan. 710 CE.

The Main Hall (aka Golden Hall) or Kondo of the Buddhist Horyuji monastery, Nara, Japan. 607 CE.

Colosseum, Rome. Remains of once vividly painted stucco on the vault of one of the main entrances. 72-80 CE.

A terracotta haniwa (tomb marker) in the form of a monkey. 6th century CE, Kofun/Asuka Period. From Dainichizuka Tumulus, Okinosu, Namegata-shi, Ibaraki, Japan. 'Important Cultural Property'. (Tokyo National Museum)

A terracotta haniwa (tomb marker) in the form of a house. Saitobaru Burial Mounds, Saito-shi, Miyazaki, Japan. Kofun/Asuka Period, 5th century CE, Japan. Imperial Cultural Property. (Tokyo National Museum)

A terracotta haniwa (tomb-marker) in the form of a horse. Asuka Period, 6th century CE, Japan. (Los Angeles County Museum of Art)

A terracotta roof tile with lotus design. Japan, Asuka Period, 538-710 CE. From the ruins of Minamishigahaiji, Otsu-shi, Shiga. (Tokyo National Museum)