A finely carved Chinese nephrite jade scholar’s vessel in the form of the auspicious “Buddha’s Hand” citron (佛手), dating to the Late Qing dynasty, circa 1880–1910.
The elegant naturalistic carving is executed in richly toned celadon and spinach-green nephrite with beautiful areas of translucency and softly graduated coloration. Deep openwork carving creates an organic, flowing composition suggestive of curling citron fingers, vines, and foliage, while the sculptural form displays the refined aesthetic associated with Chinese scholar’s objects of the late Qing period.
The stone has been carefully utilized by the carver, with darker, saturated green areas contrasting beautifully against lighter translucent sections. The surface possesses a soft hand-polished sheen consistent with age, and the interior retains subtle evidence of hand finishing.
Traditionally, the Buddha’s Hand citron symbolized longevity, prosperity, happiness, and scholarly refinement in Chinese culture, making objects of this type especially prized within literati interiors and scholar’s studios.
An old Chinese inventory/shop tag accompanies the piece.
A rare and highly decorative example of late Qing jade carving with a strong sculptural presence despite its intimate cabinet scale.
Dimensions:
Height: approximately 3.2 inches (8.1 cm)
Condition:
Excellent antique condition. Old inventory tag retained.