Japanese Carved Ivory Memento Mori Netsuke in the Form of a Skull

Masterart

Marketplace

Artworks

Back to all artworks

Japanese Carved Ivory Memento Mori Netsuke in the Form of a Skull

Finch & Co

Period 1800-1900

Origin Japan

Medium Ivory

Dimension 2.5 x 3 x 4 cm (1 x 1¹/₈ x 1⁵/₈ inches)

A Japanese Carved Ivory Memento Mori Netsuke in the Form of a Skull the Himotoshi to the Base with Signs of Wear
Unsigned
Old smooth creamy patina
Late Edo Period Early 19th Century

Size: a. 2.5cm high, 3cm wide, 4cm deep - 1 ins high, 1¼ ins wide, 1½ ins deep

Period: 1800-1900

Origin: Japan

Medium: Ivory

Dimension: 2.5 x 3 x 4 cm (1 x 1¹/₈ x 1⁵/₈ inches)

Provenance: Ex Private English collection

Literature: Skulls and skeletons have more than one meaning in Japanese art and culture. As in Christian religious teachings, Buddhism also stresses that all physical beauty deteriorates, that all life is transient, and so it is better not to be vain, but to seek spiritual growth instead. As well as acting as ‘vanitas’ skulls and skeletons also represent ghosts in Japan. Some netsuke artists carved them to demonstrate their mastery of anatomy.

Discover the Gallery