QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)

The finger citron is also known as 'Buddha's hand' citron, fo shou, because of the long tendrils that look like fingers. Compare the similarly carved large white jade carving of a finger citron illustrated by R. Keverne, et al., Jade, New York, 1991, p. 165, fig. 94, where it is noted that although the finger citron was inedible its strong fragrance made it useful for scenting rooms. It was also placed in offering bowls on Buddhist altars. Because the shape was sometimes seen as a grasping hand, it became a symbol of wealth.