Sepia Mourning Ring 1784

Classic sepia navette-shaped mourning ring containing a watercolour of a swagged Neoclassical urn with cypress trees,set under a domed glass.The navette is bordered by half pearls symbolising tears.To the reverse an inscription reads 'H.M.T. ob 11 Mar 1784 aet 23'.Ring size UK P, US 7 3/4.Though originally a ring,at some time shank removed and converted to a pin.Now a Georgian style tapered shank has been reinstated.

In the classical tradition, the cypress was associated with death and the underworld because it failed to regenerate when cut back too severely.