Title
Buddha's Hand Citron Ornament
Year/Period
early 20th century
Region
Singapore
Material
Dimension
Object size: 2.0 x 2.0 x 0.3 cm
Accession No.
2016-00830
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Winson Tan in memory of the late Edward Tan TL
This is an ornament in the shape of the Buddha’s hand citron. It is decorated with rose-cut diamonds (intan in Baba Malay). This Buddha’s hand citron is a potent symbol of Buddhism, because its form resembles the position of Buddha’s hand gesturing upwards. It symbolizes wealth and happiness. When depicted with a peach and pomegranate, it forms an auspicious grouping known as the Three Abundances. This ornament is part of a group donation from descendants of Tan Kim Seng and Tan Jiak Kim. Both were wealthy merchants, philanthropists and leaders of the local Hokkien community.
