38. Cloisonné Enamel Cane-Ca. 1890-Shippo cloisonné enamel handle in a sizeable Milord shape with an eagle against an intense blue sky with flying birds. Ebony shaft and a horn ferrule. The detailing of the feathers, beak and talons is marvelous and makes the image of the great predator lively and interesting. An art work of genius of its own right, this uncommonly fine handle is executed in the ancient and traditional Far-Eastern love for the detail perfection and makes of this cane a delight to hold and behold. It has the notable distinction of quality and survived well over an entire century of age intact and in flawless condition.-H. 6” x 1 ¾”, O.L. 35 ¾”-Shippo is a town in Japan, which is specialized in enameling and draws its name from Shippo-Yaki, which means Cloisonné. Shippo enamel melts at lower temperature and has, with its easier controllable fusion, a wider color range than any other. Regrettably, it is softer and more fragile than the costly Russian alternative. This form of hand-crafted enamel is named after the French word cloisonné, meaning partitioned areas. In this process, small cells are created by soldering wire or thin strips of metal to a metal backing. Each cell is filled with a color of ground glass, and the piece is fired in a small kiln until the glass melts into the cell. The process is repeated until the fused enamel completely fills the cells. The expression shaded is used when the cells are painted over with highlighting shades. -With the great popularity of canes and growing demand for decorative items in the second half of the 19th century, walking stick manufacturers of the western world, European as well as American, began to import cane handles and other items from the Orient. Japan and China were major suppliers for excellent ivory carvings, great metalwork and wonderful hardstone creations.