54. Ivory Erotic Cane-Ca. 1850-Straight fine grained ivory handle with a turned ball top and longer stem engraved with a convent erotic scene, malacca shaft and a long stag horn ferrule. The remarkably fresh and vibrant carving is rich in delicate and very fine details. Outrageous in its day, it is now a charming and nostalgic relic and a first rate collectable. Its quality is reflected in many aspects and underscored by a glazed surface and a great and original condition.-H. 3 ¾” x 1 ½”, O.L. 34”-During the Enlightenment, many of the French free-thinkers began to exploit pornography as a medium of social criticism and satire. Libertine explicit erotic pictures, written material, small sculptures and canes were a subversive social commentary and often targeted the Catholic Church and general attitudes of sexual repression.