Exploring the World of the Great Kublai Khan

The Teaching of Manichaeism and Other Narratives
The Yuan era brimmed with diverse cultures and religions. Among them were sects that had long withered in the West — such as Manichaeism, considered heretical by Christendom. This scroll, painted with Buddhist imagery and iconography, depicts scenes from the religion's teachings: a Light Maiden hovers at the top, while further below are episodes of cosmic judgment. They show, among other things, a man being sawn in half.

• Treasures from the Forbidden City