Images

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)

The Papyrus Lansing is an anthology of texts praising the profession of the scribe, dating to the New Kingdom of Egypt.