Bahá’u’lláh uses the metaphor of heating metal for the transformation and nobility of the human soul. This piece, able to stand on its own, is a small lost wax cast bronze depicting the branches of a leafing tree forming the letters, “L” and “O” of the word “Lo,” a declaration of wonder. Perched on round portal that grows from the roots of the tree, a singing bird calls to the people of the world—in all their dynamic diversity and multitudinous spiritual states—to cross the threshold into the circle of unity, draw closer to God, and begin to nurture and create a just, united, and peaceful world. The piece was inspired by the first paragraph of the Tablet of Ahmad in which the transcendent Nightingale of Paradise mercifully, beautifully, and compellingly guides all the people—in whatever condition they may be and whatever understanding they may have—to the transformative path that leads to their King so that “they may enter into a much closer communion with God, and identify themselves more fully with His laws and precepts.” The branches of the small bronze tree form the declarative “LO” at the beginning of the Tablet. The bronze bird is symbolic and does not represent the Manifestation.
“Lo, the Nightingale of Paradise singeth upon the twigs of the Tree of Eternity, with holy and sweet melodies, proclaiming to the sincere ones the glad tidings of the nearness of God, calling the believers in the Divine Unity to the court of the Presence of the Generous One, informing the severed ones of the message which hath been revealed by God, the King, the Glorious, the Peerless, guiding the lovers to the seat of sanctity and to this resplendent Beauty.”