Japanese Meiji Period Memento Mori Skull Tobacco Humidor

Add a rare piece of history to your cabinet of curiosities with this gorgeous hand carved wooden skull and snake humidor from the Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912).

Originally designed to hold tobacco, this exquisite humidor is a testament to the craftsmanship of the era. Each chisel cut is precisely placed.

The skull and overall piece has a wonderful aged patina as well as remnants of white pigment on its teeth. Inside of the humidor looks like it has been treated with the traditional shou sugi ban process, which involves charring the wood and finishing it with an oil to preserve the wood and enhance its durability. 

The heavily detailed snake that slithers in and out of the skull is given lifelike realness with beautiful curves, intricate scales and glass eyes. Even the petite frog that is perched on top of the lid has tiny eyes and detailing as well as perfectly placed finger grooves on either side to remove the top with ease. 

Not to mention that this one-of-a-kind treasure is choc full of Japanese memento mori symbolism.

Traditionally, in Japanese culture, the skull is a symbol of honor and a show of respect for people who have passed on, while the snake represents a symbol of protection and rebirth. The word frog (kaeru) in Japanese means "to return" to ones place of origin.

This is truly a great piece for the collection!