An Exceptional and Finely Carved German Ivory Vanitas. Early 17th Century. Photo courtesy Finch & Co

Of a partly decomposed human skull, a salamander and snake curling through the hair. Size: 4.5cm high, 7cm deep, 4.5cm wide – 1¾ ins high, 2¾ ins deep, 1¾ ins wide - SOLD

Provenance: Ex Robert Noortman collection 

See: Finch and Co catalogue no. 4, item no. 48, for another ivory example, catalogue no. 8, item no. 99, for a fruitwood example and catalogue no. 10, item no. 79, for a silver example 

Literature: The macabre motif of the skull with attached tattered scraps of skin dangling from the face, invaded by vermin, with exposed muscles in a state of decomposition conveys the idea of transience and death memorably and terribly. The skull is a warning symbol and an object for meditation, ‘Memento Mori’. 

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