PFH1169322: China: Emperor Taizong (Zhao Kuangyi), 2nd ruler of the (Northern) Song Dynasty (r. 987-997). / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169355: China: Emperor Lizong (Zhao Yun), 14th ruler of the Song Dynasty and 5th ruler of the Southern Song (r. 1224-1264). / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169365: Thailand: Gilded Chedi Chang Lom surrounded by Sukhothai-style elephants, Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169368: Thailand: Ubosot (ordination hall) doorway, Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169380: Thailand: Chedi, Wat Phrathat Doi Kham, Chiang Mai / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169414: Thailand: Buddha inside the viharn at Wat Phrathat Doi Kham, Chiang Mai / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169432: Thailand: Astrological banners adorn the giant songkran sand chedi at Wat Chetlin, Chiang Mai / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169439: Thailand: Astrological banners adorn the giant songkran sand chedi at Wat Chetlin, Chiang Mai / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169474: China: 'The Red Emperor of Trueness and Three Qi in the South' of the Daoist pantheon. / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169499: China: 'Hell Currency' - reverse of a Hell credit card complete with imitation magnetic strip and instructions: 'If found please return by burning this card'. / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169523: China: Cai Shen (Wade-Giles: Tsai Shen; Cantonese: Choy Sun, Hakka: Choy Sin) is the Chinese God of Wealth or Prosperity. / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169251: Thailand: Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramintharamaha Chakri Borommanat Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke - generally shortened to King Rama I - founds the current ruling Chakri Dynasty in Bangkok, April 6, 1782. / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169262: Thailand: King Rama IX, Bhumibol Adulyadej (5 December 1927 - ), 9th monarch of the Chakri Dynasty. / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169305: Iraq: Illuminated parchment leaf from a Qur'an written in Kufic script, early Abbasid, c. 9th century. / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169312: China: Emperor Xuanzu (Zhao Hongyi, 899-956), father of the first two Song emperors Taizu and Taizong, created Emperor Xuanzu posthumously as founding ancestor of the Song Dynasty. / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169347: China: Emperor Xiaozong (Zhao Shen), 11th ruler of the Song Dynasty and 2nd ruler of the Southern Song (r. 1162-1189). / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169359: China: Emperor Duanzong (Zhao Shi), 17th ruler of the Song Dynasty and 8th ruler of the Southern Song (r. 1276-1278). / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169371: Thailand: Buddha image in main viharn, Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169384: Thailand: Yaksa or temple guardian, Wat Phrathat Doi Kham, Chiang Mai / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169393: Thailand: Chedi and giant gong, Wat Phrathat Doi Kham, Chiang Mai / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169401: Thailand: Bai Po Thong or Golden Bo Tree leaves, Wat Phrathat Doi Kham, Chiang Mai / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169408: Thailand: Chedi, Wat Phrathat Doi Kham, Chiang Mai / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169420: Thailand: Grandfather Pu Sae statue at Wat Phrathat Doi Kham, Chiang Mai / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169445: Vietnam: The Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, Hue / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169447: Vietnam: The Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, Hue / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169464: China: Houtu Huangdi, the 'Emperor of the Earth'. Fourth of the Four Heavenly Ministers (Siyu) of Daoism. / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169482: China: Xiwangmu, The Queen Mother of the West. / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169517: China: The Daoist Gods of Good Fortune (Fu), Prosperity (Lu) and Longevity (Shou), referred to collectively as Fulushou. / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169536: China: Empress Cao (1016-1079), consort of Emperor Renzong, 4th ruler of the Song Dynasty (r.1022-1063). / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169548: China: Empress Chiyi (1144-1200), consort of Emperor Guangzong, 12th ruler of the Song Dynasty and 3rd ruler of the Southern Song Dynasty (r.1189-1194). / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169581: Iran: A ta'wiz or amulet case in silver and nielloware, used for carrying a short verse from the Qur'an for protection and good luck. The Arabic inscription on the face is the shahada or Muslim profession of faith in Kufic script. / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169591: China: A disturbing image from 'Shanghai Manhua' (Shanghai Sketch) entitled 'Human Meat Market'. Lu Shaofei, January 1929 / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169596: China: Satirical cartoon in punch portrays Germany's Kaiser Wilhelm (r.1888-1918) as a new Chinese Emperor after the forced cession of Qingdao by China to Germany in 1898. / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169633: Burma: A hand-tinted postcard of Shan people from the early 20th century. / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169646: India: A scene from the Mahajanaka Jataka, Ajanta cave mural, 7th century. / Bridgeman Images

PFH1169668: Turkey: Portrait of Sultan Mustafa III (1757-1774), late 18th century miniature. / Bridgeman Images