Nephrite object from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) This lemonlike citron (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylus) is not usually eaten (although the rind may be candied and is sometimes used for zest), but it’s fragrant and said to have some medical qualities. It is said that the fragrance of a single fruit can perfume a room for weeks. Traditionally, the fruit was prized by the Chinese for its resemblance to a hand with the fingers outstretched. The buddha’s-hand citron was a popular plant motif in the art of the Ming dynasty. Besides its association with the Buddha the plant suggested wealth because of its resemblance to an outstretched hand. It remains popular at New Year’s and is said to bestow good fortune.
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Nephrite object from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644)

This lemonlike citron (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylus) is not usually eaten (although the rind may be candied and is sometimes used for zest), but it’s fragrant and said to have some medical qualities. It is said that the fragrance of a single fruit can perfume a room for weeks.

Traditionally, the fruit was prized by the Chinese for its resemblance to a hand with the fingers outstretched. The buddha’s-hand citron was a popular plant motif in the art of the Ming dynasty. Besides its association with the Buddha the plant suggested wealth because of its resemblance to an outstretched hand. It remains popular at New Year’s and is said to bestow good fortune.

Source: 7junipers.com

63 Notes/ Hide

  1. fasach reblogged this from mediumaevum
  2. rougerothko reblogged this from chineseart
  3. starfishhunt reblogged this from mediumaevum
  4. pithypeach reblogged this from lich-tung and added:
    I have a miniature tree of one!
  5. lich-tung reblogged this from chineseart
  6. thetequilamockingbird reblogged this from mediumaevum
  7. bibliomancer7 reblogged this from mediumaevum and added:
    Veery interesting. I had the impression they were kind of like tangerines for some reason.
  8. renaissance-lady reblogged this from mediumaevum
  9. tuulikki reblogged this from mediumaevum
  10. travelers-dream reblogged this from mymindmyworldmyrules
  11. mymindmyworldmyrules reblogged this from enchantingnagchampa
  12. enchantingnagchampa reblogged this from sinousine
  13. houseoftang said: I WANT TO RUB IT ON ME IT SMELLS SO GOOD (the fruit, not the nephrite)! Glad to see things breaking out of Europe!
  14. coeurdelhistoire reblogged this from mediumaevum
  15. sayjapchae reblogged this from mediumaevum
  16. zakariusodinson reblogged this from mediumaevum
  17. in1923-i reblogged this from sinousine
  18. sinousine reblogged this from chinesecool and added:
    I had this candy which contained this and other stuff (like orange peels, mint, and “balloon fruit”) - I think it had...
  19. trancepirations reblogged this from mediumaevum
  20. chineseart reblogged this from mediumaevum
  21. eternalblue25 reblogged this from mediumaevum
  22. trickster-princess reblogged this from mediumaevum
  23. tuulikki said: The buddha’s-hand citron aka Cthulhu citron.

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