Lot 1341
  • 1341

A SILVER-MOUNTED SOFTWOOD WALKING STICK SILVER INSCRIPTION DATED 1887

Estimate
1,500 - 2,000 USD
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Description

  • wood, silver
possibly of nanmu, the tapering standard naturalistically carved as a knotted trunk, with high relief carving of three birds alighting on a knot and a slender wrapped vine, a fisherman with a catch of carp, the head mounted in silver with raised decoration of immortals, deer, bats, and birds among foliage surrounding two inscriptions, DI. B.S. RINGER from G. L. Mackay, 1887 inscribed to the top and in Chinese, Ling'er Yisheng Xie Mushi Song to the side of the mount

Condition

The silver head in overall fair condition with only minor dents to the top and minor oxidation, both presumably from use. The wood with minor expected wear, including some small chips to the relief, and two missing segments of the relief vine toward the bottom of the cane (one segment is approx. 16 cm, the other is approx. 4.5 cm). The mount at the base of the cane is missing.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

As a complement to his religious duties, Mackay trained the Taiwanese in western medicine. In 1880 Mackay founded the Mackay Clinic in Tamsui, and in 1883 he was joined by several western doctors including the British physician B. S. Ringer. Mackay's legacy carries on today with the Mackay Memorial Hospital in Taipei, an expansion of his original clinic and one of the largest medical centers in the country.