£15,500
A very rare and important 16th century carved ivory 'Memento Mori' chaplet bead, carved as two back to back heads, one a skull with worms, toads and lizards, inscribed 'der not der biteren tot aller nocht oberst' , approx 4.5 x 4.5cm, with ten attached graduated ivory beads, largest 3.4cm diameter, and ivory suspender, Provenance; This is from a private collection.
For a comparable example with similar inscription (additionally dated 1522) see The National Museum, Munich; also Sotheby's 5th July 2016 Lot: 38.
Chip to lower mandible.
Fees apply to the hammer price:
Room and Absentee Bids:
21.6% inc VAT*
Online and Autobids:
25.2% inc VAT*
