The components for this Executive Desk came from fragments of a centuries-old Buddhist altar piece. Research suggested that the meaning of the carved panels is “Arrange us as you will.” So we did — to give them new life in a balanced, tranquil, and powerful setting.

The desk is constructed primarily of poplar and camphor, with opaque finishes in the tradition of the original altar piece. The side panels were hand-carved to depict the lotus blossom and the Hebrew samach. The inspiration for these panels came from a meeting with Jetsun Pema, the sister of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, and Rodger Kamenetz, the author of “The Jew in the Lotus.” It was fascinating for us to have learned about these two very different cultures, which share a history of oppression and exile, while still maintaining grace and dignity.