This is a medium dark green California jade found by a prospector over 150 years ago and handed down through the finder’s family. It is roughly shaped in the form of a citrus fruit known as a Buddha’s hand. The jade measures 3 ½” long by 2 ½” wide by 1 3/8” thick. Interspersed in the nooks and crannies of the jade are tiny pebbles that became trapped over the centuries. The piece is in excellent condition with no chips or cracks. Our research indicates that there are many opinions as to California jade – with some experts contending that many examples have been found in the Big Sur area of California – while others say that most items sold as California jade is tanzanite or some other mineral. We do not claim expertise in this area – but do think that this example is nearly identical to examples we have seen of Big Sur jade.

Buddha's Hand,, also known as a Buddha's Hand citron, is a fragrant citrus fruit. It grows on a shrub or small tree with long, irregular branches covered in thorns. Scholars believe that sometime after the fourth century CE, Buddhist monks carried this graceful oddity from India to China, where it came to symbolize happiness, wealth and longevity. Artists classically depicted it in jade and ivory carvings, in prints, and on lacquered wood panels. The fruit may be given as a religious offering in Buddhist temples. According to tradition, Buddha prefers the "fingers" of the fruit to be in a position where they resemble a closed rather than open hand, as closed hands symbolize to Buddha the act of prayer.