Walking Stick
1889-1894 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
This walking stick is made of malacca, a cane made from the clouded or mottled stem of the Malacca palm. The ivory handle and engraved silver mount give it a very elegant appearance.
Trade
Industrialisation and mass manufacturing in the 19th century meant that walking sticks were produced in large quantities. Millions of canes were imported from the Far East and shops that specialised in walking sticks and umbrellas flourished.
Materials & Making
The knobs and handles of walking sticks were made of a wide range of materials, from silver and ivory to porcelain and quartz. They were often carved or cast in the form of animals, birds, skulls and even naked women. The shafts were often made from malacca, although glass, hippopotamus, horn and snakeskin were sometimes used.
Time
After about 1920 the walking stick began to disappear as a fashion accessory. It was largely replaced by the umbrella. Today walking sticks are primarily regarded as orthopaedic aids and supports for the elderly.
This walking stick is made of malacca, a cane made from the clouded or mottled stem of the Malacca palm. The ivory handle and engraved silver mount give it a very elegant appearance.
Trade
Industrialisation and mass manufacturing in the 19th century meant that walking sticks were produced in large quantities. Millions of canes were imported from the Far East and shops that specialised in walking sticks and umbrellas flourished.
Materials & Making
The knobs and handles of walking sticks were made of a wide range of materials, from silver and ivory to porcelain and quartz. They were often carved or cast in the form of animals, birds, skulls and even naked women. The shafts were often made from malacca, although glass, hippopotamus, horn and snakeskin were sometimes used.
Time
After about 1920 the walking stick began to disappear as a fashion accessory. It was largely replaced by the umbrella. Today walking sticks are primarily regarded as orthopaedic aids and supports for the elderly.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Malacca wood, mounted with incised silver, ivory, horn |
| Brief description | Walking stick made of Malacca wood, incised silver and ivory, Great Britain, 1889-1894 |
| Physical description | Walking stick made of Malacca wood. The handle is made from ivory and has two pieces of incised silver-mounted decoration. Horn ferrule. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions |
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| Gallery label | British Galleries:
WALKING STICKS Walking sticks were not just used for support but were an essential element of fashionable dress, giving a man an elegant air. He could swagger and swing his cane in line with his step, or use it to strike an alluring pose. These sticks were made in a huge variety of styles and materials, often to display the wealth of their owner.(27/03/2003) |
| Credit line | Given by Miss Winifred Williams |
| Object history | Made in Britain |
| Summary | Object Type This walking stick is made of malacca, a cane made from the clouded or mottled stem of the Malacca palm. The ivory handle and engraved silver mount give it a very elegant appearance. Trade Industrialisation and mass manufacturing in the 19th century meant that walking sticks were produced in large quantities. Millions of canes were imported from the Far East and shops that specialised in walking sticks and umbrellas flourished. Materials & Making The knobs and handles of walking sticks were made of a wide range of materials, from silver and ivory to porcelain and quartz. They were often carved or cast in the form of animals, birds, skulls and even naked women. The shafts were often made from malacca, although glass, hippopotamus, horn and snakeskin were sometimes used. Time After about 1920 the walking stick began to disappear as a fashion accessory. It was largely replaced by the umbrella. Today walking sticks are primarily regarded as orthopaedic aids and supports for the elderly. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.90-1965 |
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| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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