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You are here: Home / CHOW MEMORABILIA / CHOW BRIC A BRAC / Vintage bronze paperweight featuring a ‘chow’ and little boy. Miniature and detailed

Vintage bronze paperweight featuring a ‘chow’ and little boy. Miniature and detailed

photo ©Sandra Miller 2021

A couple of years ago I managed to score this incredible find.  I am still researching the timeframe it might have been made in and the purpose of this unusual piece but I am inclined to think the original intent is to be a paper weight.   It measures about 8″ from end to end and the little chow/dog figure is less than 1″ in height.  The detail for something so small is just amazing from the dogs quizzical expression,  all the way down to the little boy’s crossed feet

photo ©Sandra Miller 2021

The photo above shows the back side of the sculpture.  The little dog’s tail arches over his back and he has a blunt muzzle and lovely prick ears.  I cannot help but see him as a chow even if that was not the original intent of the artist.   My friend Dennis Tang managed to find another one of these sculptures online (see last photo) and was able to give me some information.  Thank you so very much Dennis!!!

photo ©Sandra Miller 2021

The photo above is the piece viewed from above where you can start to see how tiny those sculptures really are

photo ©Sandra Miller 2021

Above I put my hand behind the dog and boy to show the scale

This is the signature stamp on the top of the piece

This photo was provided by Dennis Tang who helped me do a bit of research on this piece.  It may be the artist was Japanese but the signature is in Chinese.  I am still not sure  the age or origin but it is wonderful to have a photo of the paperweight with box and the paperwork.   Any more guesses as to the signature and when/where it was created ( I only know it is vintage)  I would love them in the comments!

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I do my best to be as accurate as possible in my research, however many times written history finds a way to "morph" over time. I love your comments and appreciate all feedback, additions and corrections my readers have to offer to help make this a well rounded and accurate archive.

All research, images and content in this website are Copyright © 2011-2022 Sandra Miller at ChowTales.com except where noted. Use of materials from this site for educational purposes may be obtained by contacting Sandra Miller by email studio at sandramiller.com


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