Inkwell With Vanity Theme, Forming Memento Mori, Late 19th Century

A rare and beautiful vanitas inkwell, forming a memento mori.
This is the first time I have encountered an inkwell of this type, combining the pleasure of writing with the fleeting nature of life.
Dating from the late 19th century, it consists of a beautiful, finely detailed bronze skull resting on bones.
The bones rest in notches made for this purpose on the beautifully molded, blackened wood base. Two inkwells rest on either side.
The entire piece is removable.
The quality of the bronze is superb.
Look closely at the details of the skull. The whole piece has a very beautiful antique patina.

A rare vanitas inkwell, perhaps an allegorical symbol linked to the pleasure of writing in the style of the Romantic and Symbolist symbols of that era.
Also linked to Masonic symbols.

A rare, large inkwell, an exceptional piece.

Dimensions:
36 cm long, 17 cm wide, 13 cm high.

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