Starting in the 16th century, canes and walking sticks became extremely popular, first among royalty and nobility, and by the 19th and 20th centuries having worked their way down to the middle classes as a symbol of status. This example appears to pull from one of the more popular themes of the period, Greek and Roman mythology. The antique ivory grip of this cane has been expertly carved in the form of a half-nude, two-tailed mermaid, often referred to in legends as sirens, who is holding a human child. Sirens are often portrayed with alluring voices and physical characteristics, and are typically used as a symbol of dangerous temptation in legends. The grip is fitted to a slender, smooth ebony shaft and is tipped with light colored horn. This cane appears to be of a lady's size and measures 35 5/8 inches overall. Provenance: Injuka-Kunst GMBH; The Larry Mattson Collection

Fine, the left arm of the mermaid has been professionally reattached and repaired, a few scattered hairline age cracks on the grip, and an attractively aged tone. The shaft is also fine with only the slightest handling marks.