- 3008
A CARVED WOOD MEMENTO MORI SKULL GERMANY, 16TH CENTURY |
Estimate
120,000 - 180,000 HKD
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Description
- wood
- 20.9 cm, 8 1/4 in.The outcome of Carbon-14 testing is consistent with the dating of this lot.
powerfully carved in the form of a human skull consisting of the cranium and upper jaws, the cadaverous face rendered being stripped of its remaining flesh with several teeth missing, covered with a monochromatic layer of brown paint
Provenance
Collection of George Terasaki (1931-2010), New York.
Condition
The Zygomatic Processes behind the cheek bones are carved separately, with the joints probably reinforced. The skull also has typical age cracks and old chips, especially to the protruding parts of the underside, some of which refilled. There are expected crackles and flakes to the brown paint.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
From the sixteenth century, skulls were commonly used as memento mori (‘Remember death’) as they symbolise the transience of human life. They were also known as 'Vanitas' from the reference in the Book of Ecclesiastes (1.2) to "vanity of vanities, all is vanities." See also a seventeenth-century Southern German boxwood memento mori skeleton offered in this sale, lot 3050.
George Terasaki (1931-2010) was a remarkable art dealer, aesthete and photographer who was also renowned for his collection of artworks and artefacts. His collection included Northwest Coast transformation masks, Eskimo shamanic figures, weavings, pottery and a variety of objects, all illustrating his exceptional eye and fascination with the ancient arts and spiritual worlds.
George Terasaki (1931-2010) was a remarkable art dealer, aesthete and photographer who was also renowned for his collection of artworks and artefacts. His collection included Northwest Coast transformation masks, Eskimo shamanic figures, weavings, pottery and a variety of objects, all illustrating his exceptional eye and fascination with the ancient arts and spiritual worlds.