Une main de bouddha en jade sculpté, Dynastie Qing, 18e

Condition: Of the smallest, lowest fruit one finger is broken. Natural crackling with two important natural cracks throughout. No restoration. Generally in good condition. The stand in good condition.

H: 20 cm (incl. base), 17 cm (the jade)
Provenance: The Van Herck collection, Antwerp.

Finely carved, the 'fingers' of the citron curling upwards from a gnarled leafy stem forming the base of the vessel, with further leafy branches curling around the ripe fruit, the translucent stone of very pale celadon tone. Presented on an intricately carved wood stand. Buddha's hand (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis) or the fingered citron, is an unusually shaped citron variety whose fruit is segmented into finger-like sections, resembling a human hand. In China, the Buddha’s hand fruit is a symbol of happiness, longevity and good fortune. It is also a traditional temple offering and a New Year’s gift.

For other examples, please see:
The Metropolitan Museum, Accession Number: 02.18.589 (16,2 cm)
Sotheby's, London, May 13, 2009, Lot 118 (11 cm, GBP 12.500)
Sotheby's, London, May 16, 2012, Lot 7 (20 cm, GBP 34.850)