It’s intriguing to see inside a tree. I’m fascinated by the uneven outline of this cross-section – how it has what could loosely be described as a star shape.
The worth of an artwork is not so much tied up in its monetary value for me, but is more connected to how long you can look at it, enjoy it or think about it. I could look at this slice of tree for a long while.
This is a substantial piece, part of the bole of a mature tree. Deep fissures, cracks and lines cut across the uneven rings. The colours are natural and subtle, with a darker band running around the outside and several chestnut patches. If I’d been less taken with it, I might have thought about taking close ups so I could share the details.
Assuming the tree was not hacked down to create art, but a fallen tree was given new life as wall art (which I’m sure is the case), I love it. I can’t imagine it was easy to slice or to dry it without any warping.
I’ll be happy to credit the artist if anyone can identify who made it. It was hanging against a garden wall at Biedenharn Museum & Gardens in Monroe, Louisiana.
Susan Rushton 
Love this as a wall hanging!
It must have been quite a challenge to hang, but very satisfying once it was up.
I believe that is a cross-section of a bald cypress, the trees that grow in the Louisiana swamps. They are a fairly common decorative item, and are frequently made into small table-tops. I used to own a lamp whose base was a polished cypress knee, with a swirly grain and beautiful russet coloring.
Thanks for the ID and information, Sam. It is unusual to my British eyes, but I tweaked the title. 🙂