Chinese Jade and Stone

Plants

Buddha's Hand Pendant

SOLD

15th to 17th century AD, Ming period

collected in 1971

Creamy agate pendant carved in the form of a finger citron, also known as "Buddha's hand". Fingers curl upward, creating the holes from which the pendant was hung.

The finger citron is similar in shape to the human hand, and has a strong lemon-like citrus odor.  It was considered in antiquity to be a symbol of great happiness, and also, because of the position of the fingers, as a symbol of reaching out for wealth. It can be eaten, and is used for medicinal purposes in Chinese herbal medicine.

dimensions: (not including base)  

1 3/4" high x 3" long x 3/4" wide

wooden base included

very good condition

Plant subjects are rare in early Chinese carving, and do not occur regularly until the Ming period.  Even then, carvings were typically limited to a few subjects, most notably the lotus flower, the citron, and certain fungi. 

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