German Carved Ivory Double Sided Vanitas Rosary Bead

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Object Description

An Unusual German Carved Ivory Double Sided Vanitas Rosary Bead Depicting a Skull to One Side and the Decayed Head of a Man to the Other
Old smooth silky patina
17th Century

Size: a. 4cm high, 2.5cm wide, 3.5cm deep – 1½ ins high, 1 ins wide, 1¼ ins deep / 7.5cm high – 3 ins high (with base)

Object History

Ex London Private collection

Object Literature

The rosary was one of the most popular forms of sequential prayer and large single rosary beads were commonly used for private devotion by members of the wealthy classes of Europe. Normally attached to a string of rosary beads as well as being precious objects, they functioned as a focus for prayer and meditation. By the clergy they were used as visual stimuli to encourage mystical thought and as a preparation of union with God through contemplation of the bead the worshipper was drawn into a sort of religious microcosm in which the small scale of the carving helped to concentrate the mind. Meditation on death encouraged reflection on the vanity of worldly pleasures, the skull being used as a symbol of disdain for the world whilst the image of Christ demanded repentance and granted forgiveness.

Object Details

Dealer Opening Times

By appointment only.

Dealer Contact

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+44 (0)7768 236921
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Dealer Location

Suite 744
2 Old Brompton Road
London
SW7 3DQ (by appointment)

Exhibition address: (June and December, contact for details)
Cromwell Place
4 Cromwell Place
London
SW7 2JE

Rue Ernest Allard, 32
Brussels
Sablon
1000
Belgium (by appointment)

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