Mother-of-Pearl Skull

Hollow eyes, a grin of tiles, and a shimmer that changes every time it is passed.

This mother-of-pearl skull is contemporary, made of resin and faced in small tiles of shell. Skulls have been a favorite subject of decorative art for centuries, from the memento mori of European still lifes to modern desk ornaments, usually as a cheerful reminder that time is short. Here rectangular plaques of mother-of-pearl are fitted in rows across the cranium, cheeks and jaw. The eye sockets are lined with curved pieces, and the nasal cavity is cut deep. The shell flashes pink, grey and silver. It is 5.5 inches wide, 7.5 deep and 6 high.

Mortality has rarely looked this well dressed.