Walking Stick 1935 - 1942

This “Walking Stick” was made by Lyman Young, though we don’t know exactly when. It is rendered in pen, ink, and watercolor on paper. In the lower half of the drawing, the walking stick’s handle is a pale off-white color, suggesting the use of materials like bone or ivory, which would have been carefully carved and polished. The shaft appears wrapped with alternating bands of small stones or beads and metallic ribbon. This process would demand considerable labor and skill, to ensure the materials were securely affixed and aesthetically pleasing. In the upper half of the drawing, the walking stick is a simple red cane. The choice of materials – the bone or ivory handle, the decorative wrapping – elevates this object beyond mere utility. The walking stick transforms into a symbol of status, reflecting the owner's wealth and taste. It’s a fascinating intersection of craft, design, and social significance, blurring the lines between functional object and art form.