Japanese Meiji Period Memento Mori Skull Tobacco Humidor Art Nouveau Early plates were made by

Early plates were made by hand by a blacksmith or metalworker and varied in size

The blackening technique used to darken and emphasize the engraving is 100% intact and has not worn at all

Optical illusions

The outline of her breasts and her gorgeous hourglass figure are accentuated in the carving -- which was considered quite risqué for the time

Nowhere was this more evident than in Chicago

Japanese Meiji Period Memento Mori Skull Tobacco Humidor Art Nouveau Early plates were made byAdd 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