Canes gradually became more and more popular in the 16th century among the upper echelons of society, reaching its pinnacle around the late-19th to early-20th centuries. They became far more than just an accessory to assist with mobility, and more of a symbol of ones status and wealth. This specific cane is a perfect example of a desirable accessory of high society, with the antique ivory grip having been expertly carved with a detailed bust of Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778). Rousseau was an incredibly well-known philosopher and author during the mid-18th century and is widely regarded as one of the fathers of the Age of Enlightenment as well as a major influence on modern political, economic, and educational thought. The eyes of the bust have been accented with black enamel and it sits atop a carved pedestal of ferns. The grip is joined to the smooth mahogany shaft with a German silver band. The shaft has subtle brass tack decoration along the length and had a ferrule on the tip which is now absent. It measures 45 1/4 inches overall. Provenance: Laurence Jantzen Le Louvre des Antiquaires; The Larry Mattson Collection