While 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 of the box is decorated as well, with a flower and leaves, making for a pretty charming way to protect a little box of matches.
1 5/8" long x 1 1/4" wide x 1 3/4" tall. Marked China on the back side. Very good condition, with a little aging to the brass and one green spot on the back side of the box. I have not tried to polish it.
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