Art Institute of Chicago

Cup with Buddha’s-Hand Citron

China

Date

Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Kangxi reign mark and period (1662–1722)

Medium

Porcelain painted in overglaze enamels

Culture

China

Department

Arts of Asia

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

The delicately painted fruit in soft pastel hues enhances the clear-glazed interior of this crimson-sheathed cup. The subtle color palette reflects the technical advancements in porcelain enameling towards the end of Kangxi’s reign. Under the emperor’s patronage, potters successfully introduced a white enamel with a base of lead arsenic. This innovation serves to opacify the colors and allows for finer gradations. This cup features the motif of the Buddha’s Hand (foshou), a nonedible yet fragrant citron characterized by its long “fingers.” The name of this fruit approximates the sounds of the Chinese words for happiness (fu) and longevity (shou). The cup is part of a matching set that features various auspicious motifs.

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