A FINELY CARVED IVORY MEMENTO MORI SKULL 17TH CENTURY |

powerfully carved with half of the head depicted cadaverous and stripped of its remaining flesh with several teeth remaining, the other half rendered as a man with the eye shut below a bushy brow, the top of his head with tufts of hair, all divided by a loose flap of skin, the cadaverous side further accentuated with a scaly sinuous snake revealing its tongue, the other side of the skull with a clambering reptile, iron and mirror stands

The carving is in good condition. There are expected faint age cracks and insignificant nicks to the fragile extremities.
"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."

From the 16th 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 a carved ivory memento mori skull, similarly rendered with reptiles and modelled with a removable crown, sold in our London rooms, 6th July 2017, lot 124.