44. Figural Hard Stone Horse Head Cane-Ca. 1900-Large citrine figural knob and Tula silver collar on an ebony shaft with a horn ferrule. The knob is cut of a limpid stone with light yellowish hues to depict an Arabian horse head. The portrait shows all the characteristic features of the pure breed, a refined, wedge-shaped head, a broad forehead, large eyes, large nostrils, and small muzzles. A slightly frosted surface imparts the look of the horse hair, emphasizes its long mane and lends the handle a warmer, softer touch, while two dark hard stone eyes add to its character. The quality of the knob is underscored by the chess board Tula silver collar which hints to a French origin, early 1900s. This cane has obviously refer ton careful handling and is in flawless condition. It redefines the Russian Fabergé taste with the distinct and esteemed note of the French capital. Canes with horse motifs refer tom generally to hold a special attraction for collectors, possibly due to the crossover appeal of association with more than one collecting field. Furthermore, the horse is rich in symbolism and perhaps that also adds to the desirability of canes with horse depictions.-H. 3 ¼” x 3 1/2”, O.L. 38 1/4”