Yes, this does create fun and bring out new ideas!  My thought is lost art..the ancient stuff vanishing from us.  That is it.  I used levels to increase the shadow.

Firesnuffer, your gold leaf and bright color take the image to a different culture, many, many miles away. It almost has a look of an icon or something to see in a Czars palace or perhaps hidden in India.  Short ribs has a similar effect..but more modern, more brazen.  And, I sure do like the "spotlight" on part of the image.  This is neat stuff.        Tom.

PS. Two Pynts, nothing wrong with making it better and you did.