Figural Nephrite Cane

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Masterpiece Cane Auction

By Kimball Sterling

May 24, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-05-24 11:00:00 2025-05-24 11:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Masterpiece Cane Auction https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/kimball-sterling/masterpiece-cane-auction-19479
A European Masterpiece Cane Auction Kimball Sterling kimballsterling@earthlink.net

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• Lot Description
  Ca 1900 Nephrite knob wheel cut to depict a long, narrow and fairly broad between the ears canine head with a streamlined muzzle flanked by striking crystal eyes gives it the spirited gaze of a purebred dog. A finely engraved short hair lends the canine head a pleasant, velvety surface warmer to the touch, while the long ears fold at an angle and are relatively flat to optimize comfort for the wearer's hand. The quality of the knob is acknowledged by a longer engine turned and peach color enameled collar framed by two thin golden rings and comes on a slender malacca shaft and a metal ferrule. Whereas the gem quality nephrite, of a fine color and vibrant translucency, survived the test of time with its entire initial sparkle, the softer malacca was affected by the elements and developed an enigmatic yet very decorative aged surface and patina. Everything a collector could want, this cane galvanizes the essentials of quality and can easily gain a widespread acceptance to represent the finest of cane art. The lapidary techniques hints to a Russian origin, while the high-grade enamel, painstakingly built up layer on layer to achieve a perfect combination of translucency and color saturation, points out in the direction of St Petersburg, Russia's “Window on the West”. The best-known artist, but not the first to use this technique, was Fabergé, who, when showing pieces in Paris in 1900, brought a new interest to these items. Today, they fall under the general denomination of Objects of Vertu, which roughly translates as precious objects standing for excellence. H. 2 ½” x 2 ½”, O.L. 32 ¾” $2,400-$3,000 It was destined that The Man's Best Friend would turn into a recurring favorite motif for the cane handle. They were admired for their graphic qualities and were iconic and soulful, and the different breeds provided an endless variety. Business that promoted emotional connections to the portrayed dog also contributed to the expansion of this choice, and popular breeds like the pug were more prevalent than others. It should come as no surprise that each nation had a different taste in representation, with London, Paris, and Vienna fiercely competing to establish their own standards for dress. Many canine experts were engaged in an effort to narrow down the breed, nonetheless without clear result. The popular breeds around the turn of the century, the greyhound and the whippet, divided the opinions. A gemstone known for over 7000 years jade was actually proved in 1863 in France to consist of two separate, distinct minerals, namely Jadeite and Nephrite. However, telling the two apart is very difficult, and this may be the reason why the word Jade is used as a description of both. Nephrite comes in several qualities, although the best is rare and very expensive. Nephrite embodies the epitome of Russian taste. It was repeatedly said that Fabergé sourced Nephrite from massive boulders near Lake Baikal in Siberia and the Sayan Highlands in the Altai Mountain.
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