80. Meissen Porcelain Dandy Cane
Germany, 19th Century A striking dandy cane featuring a pistol-shaped grip crafted from white Meissen porcelain, decorated throughout in cobalt blue with the iconic “Zwiebelmuster” (Onion Pattern). While this traditional motif became widespread on tableware and domestic porcelain, its appearance on canes remains exceptionally rare, known only in a handful of examples. The porcelain handle is mounted on an ebony shaft, complemented by a brass collar and ferrule. Balancing form and function, the piece recalls the sleek and refined silhouette of French badines, elegant promenade canes favored by fash- ionable Parisians for their understated sophistication and casual grace. Despite the apparent fragility of its materials, this example has survived flawlessly, making it a desirable collector’s piece, equally appealing to enthusiasts of both fine porcelain and antique canes. Notably, the slender ebony shaft is as fragile as the porcelain handle itself. It should also be remembered that as the shaft grows thinner, the range of suitable woods narrows, and the shaping and finishing become increas- ingly delicate and demanding, so much so that few are inclined to test their skill in this challenging art. H. 3 ¼” x 1”, O.L. 37”
$400 - $500
Meissen porcelain holds a unique place in European art history as the first true European porcelain. Its development began with experiments by Ehrenfried Walther von Tschirnhaus, and following his death, continued under Johann Friedrich Böttger, who is often credited with its invention. Production commenced in 1710, establishing Meissen as a leading center of porcelain artistry, a legacy maintained to this day by the Staatliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Meissen GmbH. The famous crossed blue swords, introduced in 1720 as a mark of authenticity, remain one of the world’s oldest registered trademarks.
Continental Cane Collection Auction - 165
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