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LOT 235
Unique Japanese Carved Antique Ivory “Peek-a- Boo” Automated Hidden Erotica Cane - Canes steadily grew
in popularity
starting
around the
16th century,
reaching their
peak amongst
the upper
classes of society
around the late-19th
and early-20th centuries. They became more than just an accessory, but rather a symbol of ones status and wealth. This example, from a relatively reserved era, holds an interesting secret. Hidden away within the handle is a Japanese erotic scene featuring female and male genitalia, the latter being articulated/automated. Red and black ink accentuate parts of both anatomies. As this is a gentleman’s sized cane, this may have been used as a very forward, yet discreet “pickup line”, or as a joke among friends. The grip is carved in the shape of an urn with
a removable lid which reveals the erotica within. There is a blank silver escutcheon on the urn and a silver band where the grip meets the shaft. The hardwood shaft is tipped with a brass ferrule. It measures 36 3/8 inches overall.
CONDITION: Very good, the grip showing
an antique patina and some hairline age cracks, slightly loose lid, and what appears to be correctly functioning hidden genitalia. The shaft has some light handling marks scattered throughout. An interesting conversation piece in the 19th century as well as now!
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
LOT 236
Desirable Relief Carved Lounging Nude Woman Cane - During the 19th and 20th centuries, canes reached their pinnacle of popularity, becoming a must have accessory for those wishing to publicly proclaim their social and economic status. This piece is a prime example of that, the grip having been beautifully relief carved in the form of a lounging woman atop a floral motif. The grip is joined to the shaft with a gold band engraved with floral motifs. The smooth shaft is of Malacca and tipped with German silver and brass. It measures 35 inches overall. CONDITION: Very good, the grip showing an attractive, lightly aged tone with some scattered hairline age cracking and a minor repair on the woman’s leg. The gold band is mostly bright. The shaft is good with some scattered light handling marks throughout and a minor dent in the brass tip.
Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250
LOT 237
Attractive Relief Carved Goddess Aphrodite Cane - Beginning in approximately the 16th century, canes gradually became more popular among
the upper echelons of society, reaching its pinnacle around the late-19th to early-20th centuries. The Victorian era specifically saw
a resurgence in interest in classical Greco- Roman culture and art, leading to many canes from the era featuring Greco-Roman
or classical mythological themes like this example. The grip of this lady’s sized cane
has been masterfully carved in the form of a classically dressed women, likely representing the goddess Aphrodite. The grip is joined to the shaft with a gold band. The smooth shaft appears to be ebony and is tipped with iron. It measures 33 1/2 inches overall. CONDITION: Fine, the grip showing an attractively aged caramel tone with a couple minor age cracks and otherwise minimal handling evidence. The worn gold is mostly bright. The shaft is very good with a few scattered light handling marks.
Estimate: 1,200 - 1,800
LOT 238
Attractive Relief Carved Hand and Fruit Cane - Throughout much of recent history, canes have been accessory with which one could flaunt both their social and economic status. Canes became most popular during the 19th century among
all levels of society, however, the most ornate canes remained almost exclusive to the most affluent. This cane is an excellent example of one of those ornate canes, and given the theme, may have belonged to a wealthy fruit farmer. The L-shaped grip of the cane has been ornately relief carved in the form of a hand holding what appears to be an apple, and a bunch of grapes are carved on the sleeve/arm. The hardwood shaft is smooth and tipped with iron. It measures 37 inches overall.
CONDITION: Very good, the slightly stained grip has some scattered hairline age cracks but otherwise minimal wear. The shaft is fine with a few scattered minor handling marks and some brown patina on the iron tip.
Estimate: 1,200 - 1,800
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