Wooden Cane Carved With Creatures. Old Folk Work

Interesting and rare cane carved from a branch that has retained part of its root with natural deformations that the artist has used to the best of his ability to sculpt on one side the face of a good, reassuring dog and on the other a very disturbing humanoid face. This contrast certainly has an important meaning, is it good and evil? Danger and protector? The wood has segments, like bamboo and some areas are naturally lighter. A layer of vegetable lacquer covers the whole. The eyes are made of glass. The sculpture seems to be the work of a good, rather European sculptor by the way of treating the dog's face, however the beautiful natural vegetable lacquer seems to be Asian. Is this colonial work? The cane of a planter with slaves he feared and assisted by dogs? Very beautiful old patina. Probably 1900 or before. Width about 65mm, very comfortable in the hand. Length (from memory) large. Missing the tip and one of the dog's eyes. No repairs. Very original, unique model.