Name: A CARVED AMBER PENDANT AND AN AMBER PLAQUE
Brand: CHINA, 18TH-19TH CENTURY
Price: 5500.00 USD
Availability: SoldOut

A CARVED AMBER PENDANT AND AN AMBER PLAQUE
CHINA, 18TH-19TH CENTURY
The pendant is carved as a finger citron borne on a leafy branch accompanied by two other smaller finger citrons, and is strung with a small amber bead. The plaque is carved in the form of a melon with leafy branches, the center is inscribed with two characters, zhai jie, 'abstinence', and the reverse is similarly inscribed in Manchu script.
2 ¾ in. and 2 3/8 in. (7 cm. and 6.3 cm.) long

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Lot Essay

The finger citron (fo shou) has the appearance of a hand that symbolizes Buddha's hand, and also expresses a wish for a happy and long life from the similarity in sound to fu shou.

Zhai jie is the ceremonial requirement for abstinence before one worshipped their ancestors, the Heavens or other deities, which usually lasted for three days. During this time, one should refrain from eating meat and fragrant herbs such as onions, chives, garlic and the like, consuming alcohol, and from any intimate acts.