- 17
AN EXTREMELY RARE RHINOCEROS HORN CARVING OF A FINGER CITRON QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY OR EARLIER
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 GBP
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Description
- rhinoceros horn
naturalistically carved rising from gnarled leafy stems, the surface of the fruit less polished and skilfully pricked with shallow holes to imitate its natural uneven texture, the horn of dark chocolate tone
Condition
The rhinoceros horn finger citron is in excellent condition. The horn is of a brighter tone with a reddish iridescence where the carving is thin.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
This carving is impressive for the carver's ability to manipulate the rhinoceros horn into the form of a gnarled finger citron and no other related example appears to have been published. Such carvings of finger citron are more commonly known in ivory and jade; see an ivory example from the Robert H. Blumenfield collection sold at Christie's New York, 25th September 2010, lot 816; and a jade version sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 8th April 2010, lot 1905.
The Buddha's hand citron is a popular motif in China and takes its name from the shape of its fruit that resembles the idealised fingers of the Buddha. It 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 with longevity.