Buddha's-hand citron
Place of OriginChina
Date1700-1800
DynastyQing dynasty (1644-1911)
MaterialsNephrite
DimensionsH. 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 LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB60J108
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsJade And Stones
On View
Not on viewHIDDEN 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).
approx. 1800-1900
1368-1644
approx. 1900-1940
1900s
1700s
approx. 1900-1940
1900-1949
1900-1930
approx. 1800-1900