A very rare and important 16th century carved ivory 'Memento Mori' chaplet bead, carved as two back

A very rare and important 16th century carved ivory 'Memento...

1/17

Hammer

£15,500

Fees

A very rare and important 16th century carved ivory 'Memento Mori' chaplet bead, carved as two back to back heads, one a skull with worms, toads and lizards, inscribed 'der not der biteren tot aller nocht oberst' , approx 4.5 x 4.5cm, with ten attached graduated ivory beads, largest 3.4cm diameter, and ivory suspender, Provenance; This is from a private collection. 

For a comparable example with similar inscription (additionally dated 1522) see The National Museum, Munich; also Sotheby's 5th July 2016 Lot: 38.

More Information

Chip to lower mandible.

Closed
Auction Date: 15th May 2019 at 12pm

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