Object of Buddhist cult.

A leaf-shaped, openwork ornament, resembling the halos found in ancient Chinese Buddhist sculpture. It is mounted on a stand resembling a bell or a stylized inverted lotus flower. The openwork form presents a lace-like floral pattern and depictions of the symbols of the "Seven Treasures of the Chakravartin": the precious wheel — the noble eightfold path revealed by the Buddha; the precious horse — possessing divine marks; the precious general — symbolizing the protection of the realm; the "chintamani" — a jewel that grants wishes; the precious queen — revered by her subjects, honoring her husband the chakravartin; the elephant — embodying the Buddha's endurance, self-control, patience, kindness, and strength. At the center of the composition is a depiction of the Buddha, above whom is a stylized depiction of a bat, and in the lower part, likely a butterfly or artemisia (wormwood) leaves. In China, the bat symbolizes happiness, and in the Chinese version of Buddhism, the butterfly is associated with eternity.