
Nicole Smith
Specialist, Head of Sale


US$3,000 - US$5,000

Specialist, Head of Sale

Associate Specialist

Head of Department, Private & Iconic Collections, North America

Specialist, Head of Sale
The cane references the 1921 science fiction play R.U.R. (Rossumovi Univerzální Roboti) by Czech writer Karel Čapek. The play takes place in a factory in the future (circa 2000) that makes artificial workers from synthetic organic matter who have no original thoughts. The robots eventually start a rebellion, which results in the extinction of the human race.
The play is responsible for the introduction of the word 'robot' to the English language and to science fiction as a whole. In Czech, robota means forced labor, rab being derived from the word meaning slave.
Provenance
Il Segno del Tempo, Milan;
Collection of Eddi Van Auken, California, purchased from the above.
Literature
Van Auken, Eddi. Masterpieces: The Eddi Van Auken Collection of Antiques Walking Sticks and Canes. Silvia Editrice, Milan, 2025, pages 40-41, number 14. (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.