Art Nouveau silver, mother of pearl and glass walking stick

Art Nouveau silver, mother of pearl and glass walking stick 
French, c. 1900
Height 87.5cm, diameter 3cm
 
This walking stick was crafted at the height of the Art Nouveau movement and embodies the era’s signature fluidity and reverence for the natural world.
 
At its core is a beautifully textured handle, expertly fashioned from hand-hammered silver to create a distinctive tactile quality. A sinuous ivy branch extends toward the top, culminating in two delicately formed leaves. One of its swirling tendrils encircles a striking deep red glass cabochon. Enhancing its organic elegance, two intricately detailed dragonflies adorn the handle, their shimmering mother-of-pearl wings lending a luminous, iridescent effect. The combination of raised embellishments and hammered metal results in a richly varied surface. 
 
The shaft is crafted from fine hardwood, offering a sleek contrast to the ornate handle. A hand-hammered silver and gilt ferrule at the base adds a refined finishing touch.
 
A masterful example of nature-inspired design, this walking stick is a superb addition to any collection.