Chinese Brass Matchbox Holder with Dog barrel boxes presumed early 20th century

presumed early 20th century

and then this field of pin-prick like marks outlining the year of its making

I love its staight-foward elegance and wonderful patina

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 presumed early 20th centuryWhile 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