19th-century South Indian Mysore carved sandalwood walking stick
19th-century South Indian Mysore carved sandalwood walking stick
£1,850.00
Description
A hand-carved 19th-century South Indian Mysore carved sandalwood walking stick with a very finely carved Yali lion head handle and a sectional spiral decorated shaft featuring birds, deer, parrots, flora, and fauna, a legendary guardian creature associated with strength, protection, and royal authority.
The lion and yali motifs were widely employed as protective symbols in temple architecture, ceremonial objects, and prestige furnishings.
The fierce expression, bulging inset eyes, and open jaws of the head were intended to ward off negative forces while asserting the status of its bearer.
The shaft is richly carved with continuous floral scrollwork, birds, and animal motifs, suggesting themes of abundance, guardianship, and harmony with the natural world.
Such staffs often served not only as walking canes but also as symbols of rank, ceremony, and cultural identity.
Dating to the late 19th century, this piece reflects exceptional artisan craftsmanship and the enduring symbolic power of the lion guardian in South Asian visual culture.
A hand-carved ceremonial walking stick/prestige cane with a yali or lion-headed finial, and probably inspired by mythical guardian-beast traditions.
The head is especially important: it is not a natural lion, but a mythical protective creature with bulging eyes, open jaws, and a stylized mane—very close to the yali / simha / vyala motifs found in Indian and Sri Lankan carving traditions.
Measurements:
Length: 97cm
| item details | |
|---|---|
| Material and Technique | Sandalwood |
| Origin | Other |
| Period | 1950s |
| Style | Classical |
| Condition | Excellent |
| Dimensions | Length: 97cm |
Product REF: JC-INDI-07222
