Nicole Smith
Specialist, Head of Sale
Lot 35
A GERMAN 800 STANDARD SILVER-GILT AND CARNELIAN SKULL ROSARY CANECirca 1890
8 December 2025, 15:00 EST
New YorkUS$3,000 - US$5,000
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Codie Lyons
Associate Specialist
Anna Hicks
Head of Department, Private & Iconic Collections, North America
Cassandra D'Cruz
Specialist, Head of Sale
A GERMAN 800 STANDARD SILVER-GILT AND CARNELIAN SKULL ROSARY CANE
Circa 1890
The handle with carved carnelian skulls wrapped in silver-gilt flower petals surrounded by chains and leaves on a Malacca shaft with a metal ferrule.
height overall 35in (89cm); height of handle 3 3/8in (8.6cm); width 2in (5.1cm)
The handle with carved carnelian skulls wrapped in silver-gilt flower petals surrounded by chains and leaves on a Malacca shaft with a metal ferrule.
height overall 35in (89cm); height of handle 3 3/8in (8.6cm); width 2in (5.1cm)
Footnotes
Visual symbols of death are referred to as momento mori. United by common symbols such as skulls, skeletons, hourglasses, extinguished candles, and flowers, these serve to remind the viewer of their impending mortality and the fleetingness of life; as well as the hope that this reminder will encourage a virtuous life.
This cane exemplifies the common trope of momento mori object; death as the great equalizer. The fine materials used to create the carved carnelian skulls and the gilt flower petals taunt the carrier, that while they hold an item of immense value, this treasure will have no value beyond the grave. The interplay between the macabre skulls and the delicate flowers, symbolizing life and death, offers a powerful meditation on the inevitability of mortality.
Provenance
Il Segno del Tempo, Milan;
Collection of Eddi Van Auken, California, purchased from the above June 2009.
Literature
Van Auken, Eddi. Masterpieces: The Eddi Van Auken Collection of Antiques Walking Sticks and Canes. Silvia Editrice, Milan, 2025, pages 142-143, number 103. (illustrated)
Condition reports are not provided in catalog descriptions. The absence of a condition report does not guarantee that the lot is in good condition or free from damage and wear. We encourage you to request a condition report and/or additional photos prior to bidding on any lot.