Intricately hand-carved, the panel depicts a central medallion of a lotus flower and leaves from Thailand and made from teak wood. Originally these circular medallions were found only on temple ceilings and usually covered in gold leaf. The chief significance of the lotus is as a metaphor for Buddhist practice: the lotus grows out of the mud and up through muddy waters to bloom in the sunlight, clean and perfect. The follower of the Buddha and the eightfold path should strive to do likewise. This modern lotus medallion has been finished with an antique-inspired mineral paint. The resulting patina is rich and textured.