Images

Fragment of the book of Exodus, Text page, Walters Manuscript W.739, fol. 1r This fragment from the Book of Exodus is a bifolium presenting the text of Exodus 21:16-35a on fol. 1 and 23:5b-21a on fol. 2. The missing text in between these...

The mound tombs of Gyeongju (Geumseong), capital of the Silla kingdom which ruled in Korea from the 1st century BCE to 10th century CE.

A limestone relief slab depicting Seshat, the Egyptian goddess of writing. ca. 1919-1875 BCE. (Brooklyn Museum, USA).

A relief from the back of the throne of a seated statue of Ramesses II depicting the Egyptian goddess of writing Seshat. 13th century BCE, Luxor Temple, Egypt.

A modern-day re-enactor of a member of ancient Korea's elite youth class, the hwarang.

The frontispiece in gold and silver of the Avatamsaka sutra showing a scene in paradise. Goryeo Dynasty, Korea, mid-14th century CE. (Ho-Am Art Museum)

The frontispiece in gold and silver of the Amitabha sutra showing a scene in paradise. Goryeo Dynasty, Korea, 1341 CE. (The British Museum, London)

A soapstone Buddhist stele from the Unified Silla Kingdom of Korea. From the Piamsa Temple. The scene depicts Buddha and disciples with apsaras looking on. Height: 40 cm, c. 673 CE. (National Museum of Korea, Seoul, South Korea)

A giant granite statue of Maitreya (Miruk) Buddha, Gwanchoksa Temple, Korea. Height: 18.1 m, Goryeo period, 10-11th century CE.

A detail of a gilt bronze statue of the Maitreya (coming) Buddha. Three Kingdoms Period, Korea, c. 600 CE. Height: 80 cm. (National Museum of Korea, Seoul, South Korea)