Chinese Peach, Pomegranate, Buddha's Hand Citron
Original Language Title陶質水果供品 清代
CultureChinese
DateQing dynasty (1644-1911)
MediumCeramic
DimensionsOverall: 3 1/8 × 2 1/4 × 3 3/4 inches (7.94 × 5.72 × 9.53 cm)
Credit LineBequest of Jeanne McCray Beals in memory of David Thomas Beals II, Helen Ward Beals, and David Thomas Beals III
Object number2006.9.11.3
On View
Not on viewCollections
DescriptionThe group of fruit includes three peaches, one pomegranate, and two Buddha's hand citrus, all of which are polychrome. Each is hollow inside and sculpted in the fruit shapes.Gallery LabelTraditionally, the Chinese stove god is worshipped in the kitchen, where food is prepared for the entire family. The image of the god and his wife is hung above the stove, so they can observe everything that happens in the house that year. On a specific day before the lunar new year, the family burns the old print to send the god back to heaven, where he reports on the good and bad behaviors of the family. Because his words can determine the family fortune for the coming year, the Chinese often serve him with sweet cake so he will speak favorably of the family.
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