Covered dish in the form of a Buddha's hand citron

18th-19th century

This oddly-shaped fruit derives its unusual name from its resemblance to the idealized, lotus-shaped fingers of the Buddha. In addition, the name is a pun on the Chinese words for blessing (fu) and longevity (shou), and thus this fragrant but inedible fruit became a popular symbol for a long and happy life.

Nephrite

3 3/4 x 5 1/2 x 3 1/4 in. (9.53 x 13.97 x 8.26 cm)

Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection

33.1057

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Live Long and Prosper: Auspicious Motifs in East Asian Art, May 23, 2009 - February 21, 2010

Victoria, British Columbia, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, 3000 Years of Chinese Art, 1963

Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.

Learn more about Equity at SAM