Incredibly rare and beautiful high Victorian Momento Mori carved skull Table Snuff Box with a snake in bovine winding it’s way through it. Carved from a single piece of Fruitwood with a removable lid revealing a compartment for Snuff or Tobacco. This compartment is Lacquered but doesn’t seem have been used although the underside has marks as if it”s been lid back and forth. The lid has a handle of a carved frog. The Victorian Period of Moments Mori was very popular and means an awareness of ones Mortality and futility in life and death. Victorians were obsessed with death. This is an extremely fine piece and completely original with beautiful colour and patination. Wonderful item for any collection of snuff boxes. On research it appears that these Skulls were carved in Japan usually by Netsuke carvers in the early to mid 19thC which would Make sense with the quality of the carving. Circa 1840-60.
NOTE: The stand is not automatically included in the sale but maybe purchased separately if required.
Incredibly rare and beautiful high Victorian Momento Mori carved skull Table Snuff Box with a snake in bovine winding it’s way through it. Carved from a single piece of Fruitwood with a removable lid revealing a compartment for Snuff or Tobacco. This compartment is Lacquered but doesn’t seem have been used although the underside has marks as if it”s been lid back and forth. The lid has a handle of a carved frog. The Victorian Period of Moments Mori was very popular and means an awareness of ones Mortality and futility in life and death. Victorians were obsessed with death. This is an extremely fine piece and completely original with beautiful colour and patination. Wonderful item for any collection of snuff boxes. On research it appears that these Skulls were carved in Japan usually by Netsuke carvers in the early to mid 19thC which would Make sense with the quality of the carving. Circa 1840-60.
NOTE: The stand is not automatically included in the sale but maybe purchased separately if required.
