A RARE RENAISSANCE MEMENTO MORI RING probably... Lot 3012

A RARE RENAISSANCE MEMENTO MORI RING probably England, ca. 1600 RM 53 18kt yellow gold, tested. Ring head and upper part of the ring decorated with opaque enamel in black and grisaille. Central skull motif on the front, framed by the inscription "MEMENTO MORI" and ornamental decoration. Weight ca. 4,5g Enamel partly with age related scratches, minimal losses and min. replacements. - South German private collection - Formerly Salber Collection, Cologne, acquired from S.J. Phillips, London. Literature: Shirley Bury: Rings, Victoria & Albert Museum, London n.d. For the type see Fig. 35, E. A comparable ring with a Memento Mori depiction from the second half of the 16th century is in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum. According to oral tradition, this ring was once owned by King Charles I (1600-1649). Tradition further reports that he gave the ring as a gift to Archbishop William Juxon (1582-1663) on the day of his execution in 1649. The Memento Mori Ring reminds its wearers that they are mortal. Such rings were often used as engagement or wedding rings and refer to the sacred marriage vow "Till death do us part". Earthly transience is contrasted here with eternal life after death.