A WHITE JADE CARVING OF FINGER CITRON QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

well carved to imitate a fruit with naturalistically curled tendrils on a gnarled branch and cluster of leaves, the stone of even white tone

The overall condition is good with original white inclusion inherent to the stone.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Exquisitely modelled and polished to a smooth yet highly tactile finish, the present piece is an impressive display of the technical expertise of craftsmen working during the Qianlong period. Compare further examples of finger citron, such as one in the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, illustrated in James C.Y. Watt, Chinese Jades from the Collection of the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, 1989, pl. 79; another in the Alan and Simone Hartman collection, illustrated in Robert Kleiner, Chinese Jades from the Collection of Alan and Simone Hartman, Hong Kong, 1996, pl. 202; and a third example sold at Christie's New York, 15^th September 2009, lot 134.

The Buddha's hand citron, which takes its name from the shape of its fruit that resembles the idealised digiform fingers of the Buddha, has a strong fragrance and is used as an altar offering during the New Year celebration. The first character of its name, fo, is a pun for fu ('blessings' and 'riches'), while the second character, shou, is homophonous for longevity.