African Figure of Dog with Fish

A dog, a fish, and the question of who saw it first.

This miniature bronze was made in the 20th century, and under two inches tall. Small castings like it were typically made by the lost-wax method: a wax model encased in clay, melted out, and replaced by molten metal. The dog leans forward on four long, slender legs, back gently arched, a short tail flicking up. The fish hangs from its lowered muzzle. Round ears and simple paws are rendered with economy. The golden metal has a lightly hammered texture, darker where it gathers in the recesses.

Put it on the desk. It will not share the fish.