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BUDDHA-HAND CITRONS

Creator(s): Unknown

On view in: Pavilion Hallway


About this object

Carved from light green jade, this sculpture of Buddha-hand citrons, Citrus medica also known as fo-shou or finger-lemon, features "fingers" that resemble a hand. The composition includes a large and smaller citron, leaves, and stems which rests on a carved teak base featuring branches, leaves, and Buddha-hand citron fruit. The Buddha-hand citron is one of the sandou, or "The Three Plenties," and visually represents blessings, especially a happy or long life. The fruit exudes a fragrant odor and is kept in rooms as perfume but not eaten. This fruit connotes Buddhism because its form resembles the classic position of a Buddha's hand with the index and little fingers pointing upward. It is also a symbol of wealth because it illustrates the gesture of grasping money.

Object name:
BUDDHA-HAND CITRONS
Made from:
Jade
Made in:
China
Date made:
1750-1850
Size:
7 in. (17.8 cm)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:
62.36
Class:
HARDSTONE
Signature marks:
Credit line:
Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973