Known as a “transi,” the rotting body was a Renaissance form in which the process of decomposition and death were shown clearly, the “transition” from earthly body to decomposition.
I would actually like to be made into a book when I die, and if I am very lucky, my friends will write their memories in it. The leather is obvious, and what’s left can be turned into graphite pencils — there’s often quite a lot left after a cremation that has to be ground up, instead, I think whatever isn’t burnt should be stored in a reliquary like this. Seriously, I think it’s just about the most awesome tribute I can think of.
