A FRENCH ART DECO CHRYSOPRASES INLAID 800 STANDARD SILVER GILT OVERLAID AGATE CANE Made for Serge Koussevitzky, with mark for Robert Linzeler, Paris, circa 1920 The handle overlaid with silver-gilt bands inlaid with chrysoprase cabochons, revealing the agate underneath, the collar inscribed Сергей Александрович Кусевицкий, and stamped below Robert Linzeler, on a hardwood shaft with a metal ferrule. height overall 35in (88.8cm); height of handle 3in (7.6cm); width 1in (2.5cm) Footnotes: This elegant presentation cane was made by French jeweler Robert Linzeler for Serge Koussevitzky (1874-1951), the world-famous conductor and music teacher, and whose name encircles the collar in raised Cyrillic. Koussevitzky was born in Russia and began his career as a critically hailed bassist before debuting as a conductor in 1908 in Berlin. In 1924, he became the director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and remained there until 1949. In 1940, Koussevitzky founded the Berkshire Music Center (now the Tanglewood Music Center). He was a leading figure in classical music in the United States and was dedicated to expanding the appreciation of new music by commissioning important pieces from contemporary composers such as Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber, and Leonard Bernstein, who once wrote to Koussevitzky, 'For your creative energy, your instinct for truth, your incredible incorporation of teacher and artist, I give humble thanks. Seeing in you my own concepts matured is a challenge to me which I hope to fulfill in your great spirit.' While who gifted such an exquisite cane to Koussevitzky has been lost to time, the elegance of the piece is timeless. Provenance Il Segno del Tempo, Milan; Collection of Eddi Van Auken, California, purchased from the above October 2012. Literature Van Auken, Eddi. Masterpieces: The Eddi Van Auken Collection of Antiques Walking Sticks and Canes. Silvia Editrice, Milan, 2025, pages 58-59, number 26. (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. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing