
Nicole Smith
Specialist, Head of Sale


US$4,000 - US$6,000

Specialist, Head of Sale

Associate Specialist

Head of Department, Private & Iconic Collections, North America

Specialist, Head of Sale
This cane was possibly created in recognition of the 1905 premiere of Richard Strauss's Salome performed at the Königliches Opernhaus in Dresden. The opera is based on Oscar Wilde's one-act play Salomé and is a retelling of the biblical story of the infamous woman responsible for the execution of John the Baptist. The opera was notorious for its scandalous scenes and was banned at several locations including the Vienna State Opera and the entirety of London.
Christian Ferdinand Morawe (German 1865-1931) was a key designer and artist in Darmstadt, the center of the Jugendstil movement, though little is known of his life. While he is a part of the Jugendstil legacy, Morawe's designs were more Neoclassical in style, exemplified by this cane.
Theodor Fahrner (German, 1859-1919) was a Jugendstil designer After taking over his father's firm, Fahrner created a new manufacturing process, that made high-fashion more affordable and therefore more accessible to the mass market. Fahrner's designs favored enamel, silver, chalcedony, and other gemstones.
Provenance
Il Segno del Tempo, Milan;
Collection of Eddi Van Auken, California purchased from the above October 2012.
Literature
Van Auken, Eddi. Masterpieces: The Eddi Van Auken Collection of Antiques Walking Sticks and Canes. Silvia Editrice, Milan, 2025, pages 24-25, number 1. (illustrated)
Condition reports are not provided in catalog descriptions. The absence of a condition report does not guarantee that the lot is in good condition or free from damage and wear. We encourage you to request a condition report and/or additional photos prior to bidding on any lot.