Canes and walking sticks, upon first mention, sound perhaps like the least interesting objects in the world to collect. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

There was a time when no well-heeled gentleman or lady would have been seen in public without his or her walking stick. These often elegantly decorated sticks were not used to give support for walking, but were accessories that were actually “worn” and were, in many instances, symbols of status and wealth.

Rose-Cut Diamond Faberge Cane

Many examples, especially those dated between the 19^th and early 20^th centuries, are made of materials such as gold, silver, tortoiseshell, ivory, enamel, porcelain and various precious and semi-precious stones, created by such notable firms including Meissen and Fabergé. These unassuming objects often hold the key to the history of their owners, and of the events occurring in the world at the time of their use.  For instance, “shadow canes” at first glance appear to be simple sticks topped by handles formed of concentric rings. But, when light is cast upon them to reveal their shadow, they show a silhouette, usually of a controversial figure of the day. This Napoleon Shadow Cane was used by supporters of the Emperor to  secretly show their allegiance to him during his infamous exile.

There are basically three categories of canes: decorative, system or gadget and weapon canes.

Napoleon Shadow Cane

What  makes them fascinating is that there is a cane to match any and every interest. This gorgeous, decorative Fabergé Cane features elegant guilloché enamel, 14K gold and a sparkling rose-cut diamond set in the center. For the musically inspired, there is this incredibly rare Dulcimer and Flute Cane, a system cane with the two working instruments built directly into the shaft! For the more daring at heart, La Diabolique is as bold a weapon cane as it gets. This lethal cane was outlawed in France the day it was created. Protestors used these stealthy sticks during the tumultuous Revolution. If someone in the crowd were to attempt to grab the stick, the force of the pull would release tiny metal spikes along the length of the shaft, shredding the would-be attacker’s hand in an instant. A simple tap on the ground would conceal the true nature of this cane just as quickly.

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There is nothing quite like the workmanship, look or feel of anything Louis Vuitton. They are pure indulgence.  Even his vintage pieces are phenomenal.  They are from an era when craftsmen would exceed your expectations, when price was not a consideration and the great houses of Asprey, Hermes and Louis Vuitton were establishing their reputations.

The cornerstone of Louis Vuitton’s late 19^th century Parisian business was his sturdy leather luxury steamer trunks, originally encased in canvas.  They were built to survive voyages in the holds and cabins of passenger ships and on the backs of elephants.  Indian royalty were some of the first to commission trunks from Louis Vuitton for long-haul travel, some containing simple hanging racks, others with portable beds!

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And when you are not traveling the high seas or on the back of an elephant, these trunks can double for a great room accessory, a magnificent storage piece, or even a coffee table.  Your friends will have Vuitton Envy.

What more could one person ask for?  Sophistication, elegance, durability and versatility. We’ve acquired three of them, hot off the container that just came in. These are truly unique and special pieces, and I don’t need to convince you of the quality with a name like Vuitton on the box. One or all of these could be spectacular in the right home. I’m anxious to see whose house they will adorn. Call me if you think it should be yours!

All the best,

Susan

Several times a year, Rau employees anxiously await the arrival of another large container. Shipped from London, the containers travel by steam ship (then by truck or rail) and take an average of two weeks to arrive at our doors in the French Quarter. On “Container Day” all Rau employees join the unpacking team as new treasures are carefully unwrapped. From furniture to figurines, each shipment has an array of items, each with its own unique story. The container that arrived today (July 19) included several bronze sculptures (including a Renoir buste), a game table containing a plethora of playing pieces, several arm chairs, and numerous items by Galle, Tiffany Studios, and Meissen. To see all of our NEW items, check out the Recent Acquisitions portion of our website in the coming days!

100 years ago, France saw the worst flood in the history since the 17^th century. Due to the surplus of rain, snow and frost, the Seine River overflowed and rose from 12 to 28 feet in Paris and flooded 12 of the 20 districts which caused a lot of damage. It took 35 days for the river to retreat to its normal level.

Further West in Rouen, the Seine River rose up to 32 feet and flooded most of the valley. Rouen, the city of Joan of Arc’s judgment and Monet’s Cathedral of Notre-Dame, is the third largest port in France and the capital of Normandy.

The one hundred steeples, bridges and arches, the Seine and its quays, its smoke, its ships and clouds make up a most intricate landscape that attracted Impressionist painters such as Corot, Boudin, Monet, Pissarro or Gauguin during the second half of the 19^th century. They found there a unique feel of changing atmosphere and foggy air.

The term “School of Rouen” was first used in 1902 by Arsène Alexandre to designate the impressionism branch of Rouen. The School of Rouen is defined as a set of young painters born between 1849 and 1890 in Rouen, who did not only understood the method of Impressionism, but helped to develop.

For his painting Inundations, Narcisse Guilbert (1878-1942) used his remarkable technique to illustrate this historical catastrophe but also to challenge himself to paint this new landscape which he used to be so familiar with.

He chose to depict the river from up on a hill. This upper view allowed him to show a larger portion of the river and its surroundings. A perfect and comprehensive perspective is organized through the interaction between the sky and the water.

This painting is a great example of Guilbert’s work. We can clearly observe his influences and it shows his incredible ability to transform a devastated land into a harmonious composition. Guilbert was able through his work to express his attachment to his homeland but also to capture the light of the perpetually changing climate of Rouen….

Even though this was long before I began working at Rau, it’s always a pleasure hearing stories like these, and knowing that forty five years can go by and the customers have stayed with us. It’s a true testament to the store and the high quality items that Rau is known for. I received this email from a longtime customer yesterday and wanted to share it. Thanks for your letter Jeffrey and all the years of your loyalty!

“Rau is and has been one of my favorite haunts and places of purchase. My first purchase was in 1964 when I was in New Orleans with my parents for a vacation. We went to the race track and I won the daily double. My Father was horrified and mentioned to my Mother that he thought they had made a dreadful mistake taking me to the races. But, I showed them; with my winnings I took them out on the town for a wonderful evening, then with the rest of the money went to Rau and purchased a beautiful carnelian seal ring, which I still wear to this day. Last time I was in New Orleans, in May of ’08, I once again, returned to Rau. It was just as wonderful as I have remembered it. It is so comforting to realize there are still retailers in this world that are willing to keep up their great reputation and fine offering and service. Hope time and opportunity will allow me to return to New Orleans soon and will look forward to meeting and seeing you in person.”

Many thanks,

Jeffrey P. Angwin-

Bothell, Washington