The wheel of eternity at Gandzasar

The image shows the carved decoration of the tombstone of Prince Hasan Jalal Vakhtangyan, founder of Gandzasar monastery. At the centre is the symbol of the wheel of eternity, set within a six-pointed star, as a sign of the continuity of life and of spiritual faith.

The points of the star, enclosed in a circular frame, are decorated with triangular patterns, with small plant ornaments between them. The relief is on a stone set in a wall; carved letters are visible on the left.

This carving bears witness to the symbolic thinking and stone art of medieval Armenia.