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