Japanese Meiji Period Carved Wood Skull and Snake Tobacco Humidor, Late 19th C.

A late 19th century Japanese Meiji period (1868—1912) hand-carved and hand-painted wood skull, snake, and frog motif tobacco humidor.

A transfixing memento mori piece originally made to hold loose tobacco, with fantastic craftsmanship and artistic skill featured throughout. Chisel cuts provide invitingly tactile details and texture, with the lighter skull and darker snake & frog being carved from two different types of wood. A very handsome amount of naturally acquired patina perfectly complements the overall appearance.

Lidded skull with hand-painted yellowed teeth and an ebonized interior with clear lacquer finish. Hand-signed by the artisan on underside. Vaguely menacing, highly detailed snake with amber and black glass eyes displays very lively and dramatic dimensionality as it slithers in and out of eye sockets and other holes in the skull. Stoic frog with beady black eyes serves as a knob for the lid, with indentations on either side that make it easy to handle with just one’s finger and thumb.

In traditional Japanese culture, skulls symbolize honor and respect for people who have passed. Snakes can play more nefarious roles in many Japanese myths, but they also symbolize protection and rebirth. Frogs—the snake’s occasional mythological foe—are called “kaeru” in Japanese, which means “to return”, such as to one’s place of origin. “Ashes to ashes”, as the saying goes, a sentiment nicely suited to a smoking-related item.

All in all, a very interesting and desirable piece with striking motifs and authentic character that has appeal to aficionados or collectors of Japanese antiques, unusual tobacciana, or things of a gothic nature.

Dimensions:
Height: 6.75 in
Width: 7 in
Depth: 6.5 in

Condition: Good
Wear consistent with age and use. In very good antique condition. Natural, even patina throughout. Minimal signs of use. Some tiny marks on exterior, including a few spots on frog and on some teeth. Very minor isolated wear of ebonized finish around the outside edges of the interior.