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...

12 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

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 38 x 30 mm. Vintage molded hand & wreath brooch length 65 mm, approx antique enamel & metal size 38 x 30 mm. Vintage molded hand & wreath brooch length 65 mm

George II memento mori yellow gold ring set with rock crystal…

George II memento mori yellow gold ring set with rock crystal and vlack enamel. Approx rock crystal 8 x 7 mm, ring sizer R, weight 5.7 grams. 'Mary Wilson Obt 24 augt 1747', tests as 18ct

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…

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 7.7 mm, ring size R, weight 5.4 grams. Damage to the enamel

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

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 3.5 cm, signed to base

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

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

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…

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. 25 cm high, 22 cm wide

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. 40 cm high, 31 cm wide

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…