Carved bone janus chaplet bead

A carved bone janus chaplet bead.

French, mid 17th century.

Measures 3.3 x 3.2 x 2.1cm.

Carved with the head of christ to one side and to the other a skull.

Originally it formed part of a rosary; the head of Christ acting as an object of personal devotion, the skull as a reminder of his great sacrifice for our sins and of our own mortality. The gentle wear and warm patination are a testament to the years of devoted veneration by its previous owners.

Included with a turned bronze display stand.