Jose Domingo Batz (1857-1936)
A polychromed carved wood folk art walking stick, 1885
Inscribed to the handle: 450 Woodcuts By J.D. Batz / 1885
The intricately carved wood walking stick with hundreds of different animal and human figures, each with a carefully painted label and polychrome decoration
37" L x 1.25" Dia.
Other Notes: Known as "El Sereno's cane carving master," Jose Domingo Batz was the son of the early pioneer Jean Baptiste Batz (Juan Bautista Batz) who came to California with his wife Catalina Hegui Batz in 1850. Originally from the Basque Country in France, Juan Bautista and wife Catalina settled in what had been the Rancho Rosa de Castilla. In 1882 J.D. Batz inherited the land containing the historic adobe built in 1776 after the passing of his mother Catalina.

A sheep herder, Batz carved during the winter months in California. Once J.D. Batz realized his love of carpentry, he began to carve beautiful handmade canes. Many were entered in local fairs and wood carving competitions. His canes were frequent winners of badges, trophies, and prize money. According to the Transactions of the California State Agricultural Society, Batz exhibited his canes in 1882, 1883, and 1884, and was awarded a prize in 1882.

Overall good condition with scattered scuffs, scratches, nicks, shrinkage cracks, indentations, and separation at joints commensurate with age and use. Some rubbed wear to the polychrome decoration throughout. Condition reports are offered as a courtesy and are typically published in Moran's catalogue or can be made available upon request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of others. Buyers are responsible for determining to their own satisfaction the true nature and condition of any lot prior to bidding. Though buyers are not legally required to inspect lots prior to purchase, failure to do so may constitute a waiver of complaint that an item was not delivered in a condition equal to the existent condition at the auction.