Bactrian bounty

[Photo by Jiang Dong/China Daily]

Similarly, some vessels on display portray a bearded bull, which is clearly of Mesopotamian origin. Other vessels have geometric motifs of Central Asian origin.

"A pendant in the shape of the Dragon Master shows a distinct Chinese influence, while the representation of Athena on a ring shows a Greek influence," Rahimi says.

Among the other interesting artifacts are a glass dolphin, which is surprising since Afghanistan is landlocked. There are also plates made of materials found only in Egypt.