The Cabinet of Curiosities (Wunderkammer) is a subcategory of “Other,” consisting of extraordinary and mysterious objects that exist on the edge of science, art, and magic. Its history dates back to the Renaissance and Baroque periods, when collectors assembled cabinets of wonders from around the world such as naturalia, exotic specimens, scientific instruments, and artistic objects.

Crucifix base in the form of a skull topped with a stylized tree trunk, wood, Germany (?), 18th-19th century.

5300,00 
A unique dark wood sculpture featuring a realistically carved human skull, embraced from above by four massive handles resembling claws or roots. These handles converge and twist into a single, compact form, reminiscent of a stylized tree trunk, ending in a flat-cut top surface with a full-width groove, indicating the object was originally part of a larger structure. The skull is carved with meticulous attention to anatomical details, such as cranial sutures, nasal apertures, and dentition. Its form and construction suggest the sculpture served as the base for a memento mori crucifix; the missing element of carved bones beneath the occiput causes the object to currently present with a slight tilt, whereas it was originally positioned vertically.

Mask of Shame – “Schandmaske,” Central Europe (Germany?), ca. 1550-1700

6660,00 
A rare and authentic example of the so-called mask of shame ( Schandmaske), forged from a single piece of iron. It resembles the face shield used in German-type Salada helmets with a movable shield. Like the shields in Salada helmets, it was a movable piece, fixed on two rivets, retained at temple level. Unlike helmet shields, the mask was made of thin sheet metal, with narrow eye openings that significantly limited the field of vision. The features that distinguish it from helmet shields are also the grotesquely depicted nose and the rather careless manner in which it was made. These features were related to its functionality - the mask was intended to attract attention and arouse pejorative associations with the person who wore it, rather than serve as protection during battle.

Moneybox in the form of a skull, wood, iron, Central Europe (Germany?), 18th century.

6800,00 
A unique moneybox made of carved wood in the form of a realistically depicted human skull. On the vault is carved a Latin cross with fleurons at the end of the arms. The arms of the cross are filled with horizontal ribs. An opening for inserting coins has been incorporated into the lower arm. At the height of the upper arm's termination is a movable wrought iron handle. In the occipital part there is a flap, closed with a peg, set on a single massive hinge. The skull is covered with a dark brown substance of organic origin.

Pair of skulls joined by occiputs, wood, Germany, 1635

3500,00 
A unique item in the form of a pair of connected wooden skulls, most likely serving a symbolic function (memento mori). Sculpture made of wood covered with white and brown paint; designed for hanging – with a hanger made of braided, forged iron rod. On the underside, the date “1635” and a faintly legible creator's signature – “Lond” (?) F(ecit). Visible signs of age, wear on the iron loop, patina. High quality carving with anatomical details, including realistically rendered eye sockets, teeth, and cranial sutures.

Skull on a quadrilateral console, wood, Germany (?), 18th, 19th century.

630,00 
A realistic representation of a human skull, set on a console with a trapezoidal cross-section, tapering downwards. The console is decorated with a geometric ornament of simple grooves. On the back there is a wire for hanging the sculpture on the wall. The skull was made of a different kind of wood than the console, and is undoubtedly older than it. It is probably dated to the 18th century, when sculptures depicting miniature skulls symbolizing "memento mori" were particularly widespread. At the same time, it cannot be ruled out that it did not constitute a separate entity, but was an element of some representation, such as placed at the base of a crucifix.

This category may include preserved skulls and skeletons, anatomical models, memento mori, rare minerals, shells, occult objects, or scientific instruments such as astrolabes and globes. Each of them serves not only a decorative but also a symbolic function.

The Cabinet of Curiosities is a space of intrigue and contemplation, a place where aesthetics, science, and metaphysics meet. Today, such objects attract collectors, curators, and enthusiasts of unique narratives, as they bring into interiors an aura of mystery and adventure. Each item in this category is like a gate into another world, one that is strange, fascinating, and elusive.