Two Connected Wooden Skulls with a Hanger, 1635
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.
Wooden skull topped with stylized tree trunk (?), ritual sculpture, 18th-19th century (?)
A unique sculpture depicting a realistically carved human skull, embraced from above by 4 handles resembling claws or roots (?), which above join and twist into a single unit, resembling a stylized tree trunk, flat-cut from above, with a groove carved all the way through. The object is made of dense exotic wood of dark caramel color, with anatomical details (skull seam, nasal openings, teeth) carved with extreme precision. There is no indication of the object's connection to religious worship (e.g. as the base of a crucifix), rather it served as a ritual, ceremonial prop. The symbolism of the skull may also indicate a connection with "memnto mori" type objects. A great curiosity!
Ancient Greece, wine vessel, kylix, circa mid-4th century BC.
Greek kylix most likely made in Apulia, dated to around the mid-4th century B.C. Classical example of utility ceramics - A chalice used for drinking wine. The vessel is preserved in very good condition, with no cracks or structural defects, with visible signs of age, loss of the firn layer and lime deposit inside. Found in the south of France.