Lord Buddha is seated in dhyana asana, the meditative pose also called padmasana. His hands are in the vitarka mudra or teaching gesture which depicts the transmission of Buddhist teaching. About Wood Lacquering and Gilding: The artisans begin this process by sizing the wood, before applying colors made with natural pigments. The pieces can be adorned with copper or gold leaf gilding. Pieces that are glossy are sanded and polished in order to give them their glossy finish. Some pieces may be lacquered, smoothed and then varnished.