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

Provenance: [T.Z. Shiota, San Francisco, California, April 1930]; purchased by Richard Fuller, 1933; Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, Washington, 1933

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistoryVictoria, British Columbia, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, 3000 Years of Chinese Art, 1963. No. 166.

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

Published ReferencesFuller, Richard. Seattle Art Museum Engagement Book. Seattle: Seattle Art Museum, 1972; no. 41.

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