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Carving: Finger Citron (“Buddha’s Hand”)

2002.18.0012

Thumbnail of Carving: Finger Citron (“Buddha’s Hand”) (2002.18.0012)

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Basic Information

Artifact Identification Carving: Finger Citron (“Buddha’s Hand”)   (2002.18.0012)
Classification/
Nomenclature
  1. Communication Artifacts
    2. :
  2. Art
    3. :
  3. N/A
Artist/Maker Unknown
Geographic Location
Period Late Edo Period (1603-1868) or Early Meiji Period (1868-1912)
Date Early 19th century
Culture Japanese
Location Not on Exhibit

Physical Analysis

Dimension 1 (Length) 13.3 cm
Dimension 2 (Height) 6.4 cm
Dimension 3 (Width) 6.5 cm
Weight 167 g
Measuring Remarks N/A
Materials Plant--Wood, Plant--Boxwood
Manufacturing Processes Carved

Research Remarks

Description

"A Japanese wood carving of a finger citron.

A rare Japanese boxwood carving of finger citron, late Edo /early Meiji period, 5.25”H. The finger citron, which is an inedible fruit (Citrus medica) is also known as “Buddha’s Hand”. The fruit running almost entirely to rind terminates at the head in long narrow processes like fingers. It has a very powerful and fragrant aroma. The fruit connotes Buddhism because its form resembles the classic position of Buddha’s hand with the index and little finger pointing upward. It is also a symbol of wealth as it is the gesture used to grasp money.

Boxwood is a very close-grained dense yellowish brown hardwood. (Hardwood comes from an angiospermous tree.)" - Bernie McManus, Appraiser, Woodbury House, Connecticut, 9/4/2002.
Published Description N/A
Bibliography Under Review

Artifact History

Credit Line/Dedication Fred A. Freund Collection
Reproduction No

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