Skull-shaped Tobacco Jar, Bone Snake, And Frog — Japan, Meiji Period

A unique Japanese carved wooden lidded jar depicting a human skull with a bone snake winding through it, topped by a frog that serves as the lid’s handle.

The skull features a warm patina with amber hues. The deeply hollowed-out eye sockets, nasal cavities, and depiction of the teeth give this sculpture a striking presence.

The snake winds its way through the openings in the skull. Its body is finely engraved with a pattern of scales outlined in black, while its eyes, inlaid with red coral, add a particularly expressive touch of color.

The skull cap lifts to reveal a black interior compartment. A small carved frog, depicted in a crouching position, crowns the top.

The skull cap lifts to reveal a black interior compartment. A small carved frog, depicted in a crouching position, crowns the top.

This evocative composition, linking the skull to the animal world, constitutes a particularly original vanitas and a beautiful object for a cabinet of curiosities.

Japan, Meiji period (1868–1912).

Dimensions: 15 cm.

Condition: patina and signs of wear; visible cracks in the wood, particularly on the lid. See the detailed photographs.

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