36.5(L) x 1(W) x 2.5 Handle

American. Fourth quarter 19th C. Hardwood, possibly maple. A Chinese immigrant "equality" folk art cane by carver R. Foster. Foster is recognized as one of the finest American folk art carvers of his time. The carved handle of this cane is interpreted as the bust of an angry Chinese worker or immigrant, intended to signify Foster's protest against the broad racial mistreatment of the immigrant Chinese workers at that time. The cane's length is a mass of finely carved images including grape leaves, barrel, jug, coffee pot, cup, spoon, sugar bowl, goblet, knife, fork, dove, turtle, winged fish, kangaroo, butter churn, snake, goose, fish hook, crane, bow and arrows, ark, drawknife, plow, wheat sheaf, harness, wrench, squirrel, alligator, owl, rabbit, horseshoe, mallet and more. Near the base, a small owl is Foster's signature. Foster died in Sparta, Missouri around 1900. See George H. Meyer American Folk Art Canes (illustrations 199/213). In stain and varnish finish, the varnish now remains in the recesses. 36.5(L) x 1(W) x 2.5(D)". From the Jim Fleming Collection. $3500/5000.