A SUPERBLY CARVED PALE CELADON JADE FINGER CITRON QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the naturalistically carved 'Buddha's hand' attached to a leafy gnarled stalk suspending a smaller attendant fruit, its 'fingers' extending sinuously and mingling at their tips, the translucent stone of an attractive even pale celadon colour

The carving is in overall good condition. There are some insignificant occasional nibbling to the extremities and edges, occasional fine crackles, but none that appear to be recent and most likely original to the carving.
"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 in these rooms, 8th April 2010, lot 1905.

The Buddha’s hand citron, which takes its name from the shape of its fruit that resembles the idealised digit-form 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.