China/ Southeast Asia: A European illustration from the 1600s depicting the interior of a Buddhist temple.

Buddhism is an Eastern religion and philosophy based primarily on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (c. 563—483 BCE). By the time European traders arrived in Asia in the early 1500s, Buddhism was the dominant religion in many regions.

In this greatly exaggerated illustration, probably set in China, the European artist portrays a temple as similar to a European theatre. Statues of demons flank the Buddha image, reminding Europeans of the day that this was a pagan church.

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

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Pictures From History