About this sheet
Original Antique Botanical Chromolithograph of Buddha's Hand Citron, c. 1880
A magnificent original antique botanical chromolithograph depicting Citrus sarcodactylis, now generally classified as Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis and universally known as Buddha's Hand Citron or Fingered Citron. One of the world's most extraordinary citrus fruits, it is instantly recognizable for its remarkable finger-like segments, which resemble the open hand of Buddha and have made it a symbol of happiness, prosperity, and longevity throughout East Asia for centuries.
Native to northeastern India and China, Buddha's Hand has long been cultivated across Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, where it was valued not only as an ornamental citrus but also for its intensely fragrant rind. Unlike most citrus fruits, the fruit contains little or no pulp and is instead prized for its aromatic peel, which has traditionally been used in perfumes, confectionery, candied fruit, and religious offerings in Buddhist temples.
The composition beautifully illustrates a fruiting branch with glossy evergreen foliage, fragrant white blossoms, and the extraordinary mature fruit, accompanied by finely executed botanical studies of the flower. The remarkable shape of the citron makes this one of the most iconic and decorative fruit plates from Berthe Hoola van Nooten's celebrated publication.
The artwork was painted from life on the island of Java by the distinguished Dutch botanical artist Berthe Hoola van Nooten (1817–1892). It was published in her masterpiece, Fleurs, Fruits et Feuillages Choisis de l'Ile de Java, widely regarded as one of the finest nineteenth-century botanical publications devoted to the flora of the Dutch East Indies. Printed in vibrant chromolithography by P. De Pannemaeker of Ghent, this plate was issued in the third edition published in Brussels by Librairie Européenne C. Muquardt around 1880.
Today, Buddha's Hand remains one of the world's most celebrated ornamental citrus fruits, admired for its sculptural form, intoxicating fragrance, and deep cultural significance. This original antique print combines botanical importance with exceptional decorative appeal and is among the finest fruit subjects in the Hoola van Nooten series.
This is an original antique print, printed circa 1880, and not a modern reproduction or later copy.
Publication:
Fleurs, Fruits et Feuillages Choisis de l'Ile de Java
Printer:
P. De Pannemaeker, Ghent
Medium:
Original chromolithograph on wove paper.
Condition:
Good antique condition with age-related toning, occasional foxing and light handling wear consistent with age. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.
Please note that any framed images are for display inspiration only. The print is sold unframed. Framed mock-ups are not always shown to exact scale and are intended solely to illustrate how the artwork may look when displayed.
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This is one of the strongest and most recognizable fruit subjects in the entire series. The combination of its extraordinary appearance, cultural significance, and decorative appeal places it among the premium Hoola van Nooten plates, alongside Cacao, Amherstia, and Buddha's Hand's enduring popularity with collectors and interior designers alike.
