Lot 210A
Europe, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A hauntingly beautiful wooden pipe carved in the form of a human skull cradled in a hand, this extraordinary object exemplifies the European memento mori tradition - a visual reminder of mortality and the fleeting nature of earthly pleasures. The bowl is finely sculpted as a skull with deep eye sockets, a sharply defined nasal cavity, and naturalistic jaw details, while the stem emerges from the carved wrist and sleeve of the hand that supports it. The surface is worn to a deep, rich patina, emphasizing both age and the tactile intimacy of its use. During the 18th and 19th centuries, memento mori imagery found powerful resonance in European art and personal objects, reflecting the religious and philosophical meditation on death that pervaded Enlightenment and Romantic thought. Pipes such as this one served not merely as smoking instruments but as personal talismans - reminders to "remember you must die" (memento mori) and, therefore, to live a virtuous life. Size: 4.3" L x 1.9" W x 3.1" H (10.9 cm x 4.8 cm x 7.9 cm)
The artistry of this piece lies in its duality: the skull as a symbol of mortality, and the hand as a gesture of possession or contemplation. Together they form a composition at once macabre and introspective, merging craftsmanship with moral reflection. The piece's superb carving and subtle anatomical accuracy suggest it may have been produced for an affluent collector with an appreciation for vanitas themes and finely worked curiosities.
Provenance: ex-private collection, Fairhaven, Massachusetts, USA, collected from 2010 to 2015
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#198335
- Condition: Missing lower jaw, parts of mandible, and mouth piece. Some nicks and abrasions to surface in areas, but, otherwise, very nice presentation with good detail.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |