Pair Porcelain "Bulldogs with Puppies" by Fitz and Floyd Co., American

These firedogs (as they were referred to), while not really serving any utility, would have been used as decoration to enhance the visual aesthetics of the hearth, by being placed one to each side of the fireplace opening. I have attached 20 images to this listing. The last image shows how they would have been used in a fireplace setting. These highly ornate pair of gilt bronze firedogs are quite important and were, more than likely, the design of Thomas Hope (1769-1831), who created elaborate and innovative decorations whose features were influenced by his extensive travel through the Near East, Turkey, Egypt, Greece, and Europe, over a ten year period. He was the foremost interior designer during the Regency period and developed luxurious surroundings for his two lavish London residences during the early 19th century. They were decorated with items of his own design, along with those he had accumulated and collected during his travels. He introduced to the British aristocracy the term "interior design". In terms of collecting, and the acquisition of fine art...

Quite an unusual piece for bank collectors or just for those seeking a unique collectible. This is a coin bank made of all wood; walnut and inlay here and there; simulating a stack and shelf of books; a pair of "Scottie dogs" (terriers) on top of the bank completes the decoration. The slot on top of the bank accommodates the saving of coins. When it is full; the method of opening the bank to remove the coins, exemplifies the ultimate in Japanese ingenuity. A video attached to the listing displays the foregoing. With the books facing you; slide the two front bottom panels to the left; slide the bottom right panel forward (tilt forward) exposing the opening; slide out the enclosed loose key; push everything back; slide left half of front panel to the left; the middle book drops down exposing the key hole; insert and turn the key to the right to open; lift the hinged lid; remove coins and reverse the process to start over again. Fantastic item!!! This bank was made in Japan, right after World War ll, during the occupation, around 1948. It is a further manifestation of a mid to early 19th century tradition of hiding documents and money in boxes with "tricks" and a multiplicity of "moves" to unlock a box or trunk. With these banks, it is all about condition and completeness, considering the rough play and use it was subject to from trying to figure out how to open it. This particular bank is in excellent and all original, complete condition with no repairs and no replacements, and is from my own personal collection of banks; having been in my possession since 1985. Worth noting is that this example was featured in "Antiquing and Collecting" magazine September 2003 edition in an article on Japanese Puzzle...

Beautiful rare antique statue, Art Nouveau figure of a bulldog or pug with a basket in its mouth with young puppies, numbered 3959 on the back, early 20th century. Made of glazed po...

Pair, antique french porcelain bull dogs in the style of the Meissen porcelain factory. Great quality with two missing flower petals.