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Fingered citron — 仏手柑 by Tsuruya Kokei — Japanese Woodblock print, 1939

Fingered citron — 仏手柑

by Tsuruya Kokei

Date:
1939
Medium:
Woodblock print

Description

Fingered Citron (Bushukan) is a woodblock print of the remarkable Buddha's hand citrus fruit, whose long, finger-like segments fan outward from the base in a form that resembles a hand in prayer. The bushukan has been a prized subject in East Asian art for centuries, valued as an ornamental and aromatic fruit associated with good fortune, longevity, and Buddhist devotion. Its complex, segmented form — each "finger" tapering to a point — presents a compelling challenge for the woodblock medium, requiring precise carving to capture the individual segments and their irregular organic curves. This 1939 work shows Kokei engaging with botanical subject matter early in his career.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Fingered citron — 仏手柑 was created by Tsuruya Kokei (弦屋光溪) in 1939.

Fingered citron — 仏手柑 depicts still life and food & drink.