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Lot 40

A CONTINENTAL CARVED BOXWOOD SKULL MOMENTO MORI CANE
Possibly Italian, 18th century

8 December 2025, 15:00 EST
New York

US$2,000 - US$3,000

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A CONTINENTAL CARVED BOXWOOD SKULL MOMENTO MORI CANE

Possibly Italian, 18th century
The single boxwood cane carved with a skull and rib cage above two smaller skull sitting atop a stylized femur, tibia, and fibula.
height overall 25 1/2in (64.8cm); height of handle 5in (12.7cm); width 2in (5cm)

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.

Provenance
Il Segno del Tempo, Milan;
Collection of Eddi Van Auken, California, purchased from the above 2015.

Literature
Van Auken, Eddi. Masterpieces: The Eddi Van Auken Collection of Antiques Walking Sticks and Canes. Silvia Editrice, Milan, 2025, pages 148-149, number 111. (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.

Additional information