Posts Tagged ‘furniture’
Antique Scrimshaw
Sunday, September 18th, 2011
Antique Walking Canes With The King Of Beasts: The Lion
The lion was an icon of bravery, strength and royalty for thousands of years in Africa, Europe, and even in Asia. It appeared prominently in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt as a symbol of kings and in Eastern Asia (where people had never actually seen real lions!) they were worshiped as protectors of humans from evil spirits. No wonder cane-makers loved to make lion walking canes!
From medieval times, the lion was used in heraldry throughout Europe. Although there are many variations of heraldic lions, there are several major positions of the lion: rampant (standing on hind legs), passant (walking), statant (standing on four legs), secant (sitting), and couchant (lying down). For example, the royal coat of arms of Scotland has a rampant lion, and the coat of arms in England has passant lions. These postures influenced somewhat the shapes of lions on the walking canes.
A rampant lion, which is the most popular posture, is often found positioned at the top of the walking cane, just above the grip. Most often the lion holds a shield as many heraldic lions do. The scriptures are rather small and will not prevent you from gripping the scripture part while holding the cane. Many “real” antique lion walking canes you find are made of wood, but one modern reproduction is made with a beautiful pewter scripture.
Another heraldic posture you may find is couchant. This position creates a T-shaped or L-shaped handle over the cane shaft which can be used to support body weight – which is unlike other gentlemen’s fashion canes. In fact, some of these are made for women, probably for this purpose. Since they are made to grip, the decoration on the handles are minimal and the handle surfaces are smooth. Again you find them made of wood, ivory, and even scrimshaw.
Other heraldic positions are not often found as scripture, but as a painted form on button-shaped walking cane heads. In fact, most of these represent coats-of-arms of various countries.
You can find two other types of lion walking canes. One is a roundish lion head sitting on top of the cane. This lion often opens its mouth wide as if it were roaring. Some have glass eyes. (I personally prefer this type of lion walking cane. It is easy to carry and still quite fashionable.) Another type is a lion head at the end of a crooked walking cane. A silver or pewter scripted lion head is inserted at the end of the crooked handle. This is probably the most comfortable walking cane to carry. Since silver and pewter are fairly easy to manipulate, you will find this a very finely scripted lion-head walking cane.
You may also want to take note of African-made hand-carved walking canes with a lion theme. They are really beautiful and have the warmth of fine rare woods that grow on the lands where real lions actually live. Even though many have contemporary designs (based on older African walking canes), they are compatible in beauty to any of the antique lion walking canes made in Europe or the US, and worth owning as a gentleman’s fashion accessory.
About the Author
Kaoru Sanjo is a freelance writer who often contributes articles related to Antique Walking Cane. You can find more information about dragon antique walking canes described in this article at Lion Antique Walking Cane site.
Scrimshaw
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Unisex Theme-Shaped Cane Varied Hardwood Shaft, Simulated Antique Scrimshaw Polymer Resin Handle -Affordable Gift for your Loved One! Item #DHAR-106-108 This spell-binding cane by HARVY features hardwood shaft that measures 36 inches long. Theme-Shaped handle in Simulated antique scrimshaw finish made of polymer resin provides comfortable support. Stylish chrome band adds a touch of class. Comes with a rubber tip# 39808. Measures 5 x 1 x 36 inches.A great value, this cane would make a stunning gift for anyone: your significant other, friend, paren… |
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Walking Cane – Simulated antique scrimshaw Bulldog head handle-made of polymer resin. Handle is set on 1 diameter hardwood shaft which tapers to 3/4. The shaft is 36 long with rubber tip. The shaft is available in walnut or black. $58.99 Walking Cane – Simulated antique scrimshaw Bulldog head handle-made of polymer resin. Handle is set on 1″ diameter hardwood shaft which tapers to 3/4″. The shaft is 36″ long with rubber tip. The shaft is available in walnut or black…. |
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Old-Fashioned Nautical Illustrations (Dover Electronic Clip Art) (CD-ROM and Book) $12.75 Selected from a wealth of rare, authentic 19th-century sources, this collection abounds in professional-quality nautical images. These 425 black-and-white maritime illustrations range from sailors and ships of every era to fish, turtles, and seashells — plus swimmers, deep-sea divers, harbors, anchors, lighthouses, mermaids, and much more…. |
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A Mariner’s Fancy: The Whaleman’s Art of Scrimshaw $22.50 Discusses the art of scrimshaw and the role of New York in the history of American whaling. Presents pictures and descriptions of pieces from the South Street Seaport Museum in New York City…. |
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Scrimshaw, the Whaler’s Legacy $56.94 Intricate, painstaking, sturdy yet incredibly delicate…scrimshaw has been a beautiful tradition on the sea and at the sea-side for centuries. Far from the comforts (and distractions) of land, whalers from America, England, Australia, and Portugal could spend the long hours of attention necessary to perfect the scrimshander’s art. They forgot their loneliness and discomfort as the crafted pieces … |
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Turnage Mississippi Old West Cowboy Scrimshaw Whale Tooth Replica $39.95 6 1/2 ” LONG X 2 1/2 ” WIDE This item does not violate US Customs or US Fish and Game Marine Mammal Wildlife Laws. It is a high quality reproduction made of polymer composites. No animal was harmed in the manufacturing of this replica scrimshaw. MUSEUM QUALITY REPRODUCTION OF WHALE TOOTH “TURNAGE MISSISSIPPI” CREST OF OLD WEST REVERSE TURNAGE STAGECOACH NEAT ITEM BRAND NEW- NEVER DISP… |
