Chinese Brass Matchbox Holder with Dog barrel boxes I really love it

I really love it

were once displayed as wall ornaments: I carefully peeled some old adhesive off of their backs

I love its staight-foward elegance and wonderful patina

presumed early 20th century

creating a dream-like piece that makes me think of Kandinsky's horses as well as some of my favorite outsider art

Chinese Brass Matchbox Holder with Dog barrel boxes I really love itWhile one would expect it to be a Foo Dog that would appear on the top of a Chinese match box holder, it seems there were a whole series of these made for export in the earlyish 20th century featuring an array of different dogs as well as other animals. This little dog has floppy ears and a very sweet if a bit sad looking face, and appears to be studying the engraved decoration around the edges of the matchbox holder upon which he sits! The flip side