Price Guide to Antiques & Collectables
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Georgian and later memento mori (reminder of death or mortality)

A memento mori is an object or image that serves as a reminder of mortality and the inevitability of death. The phrase "memento mori" is Latin for "remember that you will die."

Memento mori can take many forms, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and other decorative objects. They often include symbols of death or decay, such as skulls, skeletons, hourglasses, or wilting flowers, as well as inscriptions or messages reminding the viewer of the transience of life.

Memento mori have been used throughout history as a way of contemplating the nature of existence and the importance of living in the present. In some cultures, they were also used as a reminder of religious teachings, such as the Christian belief in the afterlife.

During the Renaissance, memento mori became a popular theme in art and literature, reflecting the renewed interest in classical philosophy and the humanist emphasis on the importance of individual more... agency and moral responsibility.

Today, memento mori continue to be appreciated as a powerful symbol of the fragility and impermanence of life, and are often used in contemporary art and design to convey a sense of introspection and reflection. less...

15 items found.
A vintage carved deer antler Memento Mori, Depicting two…
Skeleton Embrace: Vintage Memento Mori Deer Antler Carving

A vintage carved deer antler Memento Mori, Depicting two skeletons wearing overcoats hugging each other, height 2.76 in.

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A vintage 'Memento Mori', the carved deer antler skeleton in…
Antler Skeleton Memento Mori in Glass Coffin, 18cm

A vintage 'Memento Mori', the carved deer antler skeleton in decaying state, displayed in a glass lidded 'Coffin', length 7.09 in.

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Two Memento mori brooches approx antique enamel & metal size 38…
Vintage Memento Mori & Hand Wreath Enamel Brooches Set

Two Memento mori brooches approx antique enamel & metal size 1.50 in. x 1.18 in. Vintage molded hand & wreath brooch length 2.56 in., approx antique enamel & metal size 1.50 in. x 1.18 in. x 1.50 in. x 1.18 in. Vintage molded hand & wreath brooch length 2…

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Memento Mori silvered bronze skull & serpent desk ornament,…
Silvered bronze skull & serpent desk ornament on marble base

Memento Mori silvered bronze skull & serpent desk ornament, memento Mori silvered bronze skull & serpent desk ornament, on marble book form base

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George II memento mori yellow gold ring set with rock crystal…
George II Memento Mori Gold Ring with Rock Crystal Enamel

George II memento mori yellow gold ring set with rock crystal and vlack enamel. Approx rock crystal 0.31 in. x 0.28 in., ring sizer R, weight 5.7 grams. 'Mary Wilson Obt 24 augt 1747', tests as 18ct

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Four Oriental carved ivory items including puzzle ball on stand,…
Oriental Ivory Carvings: Puzzle Ball, Skull, Elephant & Stand

Four Oriental carved ivory items including puzzle ball on stand, late 19th century / early 20th century, comprising a Chinese intricately carved five layer puzzle ball with writhing dragon decoration to outer orb, upon a slender carved figural stand and ci

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Late Victorian 18ct yellow gold memento mori ring marked London…
Late Victorian Memento Mori Ring, 18ct Gold, London 1895

Late Victorian 18ct yellow gold memento mori ring marked London 1895 18. WW. Approx width 0.30 in., ring size R, weight 5.4 grams. Damage to the enamel

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William IV 18ct yellow gold memento mori ring with William IV…
William IV Memento Mori Ring with Enamel Damage

William IV 18ct yellow gold memento mori ring with William IV London 18 marks, date letter rubbed. Inscribed Ann Keech on 18th May 1840. Approx weight 4 grams, ring size V. Damage to the enamel throughout

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Japanese ivory memento mori modelled as a skull encrusted with…
Beetle-Encrusted Ivory Skull Memento Mori

Japanese ivory memento mori modelled as a skull encrusted with semi precious cabachon stones ornamented as beetles, height 1.38 in., signed to base

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Georgian micro mosaic ring with Momento Mori (mourning) in 24ct…
Georgian Gold Memento Mori Micro Mosaic Ring

Georgian micro mosaic ring with Momento Mori (mourning) in 24ct gold depicting a classic tomb surmounting raised gold frame

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A memento mori of horses hoof sterling silver inkwell engranved…
1916 Sterling Silver Horse Hoof Inkwell with Engraving

A memento mori of horses hoof sterling silver inkwell engranved to lid 'Kentish waterlily 1916' hallmarked Chester 1916

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A George II memento mori turquoise and black enamel gold ring,…
George II Memento Mori Turquoise Enamel Gold Ring

A George II memento mori turquoise and black enamel gold ring, 1759, centring an oval-shaped turquoise cabochon, the shank composed of continuous S-scroll motifs, with gold lettering 'DEP OB: 10 JULY 1759 AE 77', maker's mark W.H, enamel deficient, ring si

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A Victorian linen cross-stitch momento mori needlework sampler,…
Victorian Momento Mori Sampler, 1864

A Victorian linen cross-stitch momento mori needlework sampler, English, 19th century, dated 1864. 9.84 in. high, 8.66 in. wide

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A Regency linen cross-stitch needlework momento mori sampler,…
Regency Cross-Stitch Memento Mori Sampler, Dated 1822

A Regency linen cross-stitch needlework momento mori sampler, English, 19th century, dated 1822. 15.75 in. high, 12.20 in. wide

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Two ivory portrait miniatures and a framed silhouette 19th…
Ivory and Silhouette Miniatures from 19th Century

Two ivory portrait miniatures and a framed silhouette 19th century including a Georgian womans momento mori portrait with lock of hair to verso, a tiny gentleman's portrait in gilt metal surround and a painted silhouette of a gentleman, the momento mori 5

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