White Jade Hand of Buddha Citron 17th/18th Century

Regular price $25,500

Chinese carved white Jade Hand of Buddha - Citron. Exquisitely carved fingers and body in a realistic pose. Bright white stone with a soft polish and silky soft patina. Approximately 2 1/4" long x 1 1/4" wide x 1" deep. 17th/18th Century. 

For A Similar Example:
Sotheby's Hong Kong - October 3, 2018 - Important Chinese Art From The Collection Of Sir Quo-Wei Lee
A WHITE JADE CARVING OF A FINGER CITRON
QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY
the naturalistically carved 'Buddha's hand' borne on a leafy gnarled stalk suspending a smaller attendant fruit, its 'fingers' extending sinuously and mingling at their tips, the translucent stone of an even white tone, wood stand
12.5 cm, 5 in.
Estimation 150,000 — 180,000 HKD
19,125 - 22,950USD Lot. Vendu 1,125,000 HKD (143,438 USD)

For Another Similar Example:
Asian Art Museum - San Francisco:
Buddha's-hand citron
Place of Origin: China
Date: 1700-1800
Historical Period: Qing dynasty (1644-1911)
Materials: Nephrite
Dimensions: H. 4 in x W. 1 7/8 in x D. 2 in, H. 10.2 cm x W. 4.8 cm x D. 5.1 cm
Credit Line: The Avery Brundage Collection
Department: Chinese Art
Collection: Jade And Stones
Object Number: B60J108
On Display: No


For Another Similar Example:
SATURDAY AT SOTHEBY’S: ASIAN ART FEATURING CHINESE ART FROM THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART - THE FLORENCE AND HERBERT IRVING GIFT
14 SEPTEMBER 2019
Lot #1209
A WHITE JADE CARVING OF A FINGER CITRON
QING DYNASTY, 18TH / 19TH CENTURY
Length 3 in., 7.6 cm
PROVENANCE
Spink & Son, London, 11th June 1981.
Collection of Florence (1920-2018) and Herbert (1917-2016) Irving, no. 341.
Estimate 3,000 — 5,000 USD
LOT SOLD. 43,750 USD Label:


HIDDEN MEANING: May you have blessings and longevity (duofu duoshou 多福多壽)!

The Buddha’s-hand citron (foshou 佛手; Latin botanical name Citrus medica "Sarcodactylis") takes its common name from its shape, which resembles the Buddha’s idealized lotus-shaped fingers. Though not edible unless preserved with salt or sugar, the fruit has a strong fragrance and is used as an altar offering during the New Year celebration.

The word for this fruit is a pun for "blessings and longevity" (fu 福 and shou 壽).

The Buddha's-hand citron (foshou) is a visual pun for blessings and longevity. The fruit itself is used medicinally and is believed to have health-giving qualities.