Altar piece, one of an altar set of the Eight Buddhist Emblems (ba ji xiang). Depicts the Wheel of the Law mounted on a lotus pedestal, constructed in two detachable parts. The lotus pedestal consists of a platform surrounded by multi-tiered overlapping lotus petals, raised on a tall stem embellished with four foliate scrolls, set atop a domed embellished base with sea waves, bands of cloud motifs and bosses, and a row of recurved petals at bottom. The wheel of the law, or the dharma, is a symbol of the Buddha's teachings of the path to enlightment. The wheel with eight spokes and in a circular form represents the Eightfold path and perfection of Buddha's teaching. Carved wood covered with red lacquer and gold pigment.
