Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller.

Tug of War: A Bronze Inkwell of Tugging Pugs on a Rug

$1,650
£1,252.91
€1,502.80
CA$2,363.08
A$2,439.25
CHF 1,374.88
MX$31,558.22
NOK 15,685.90
SEK 16,547.93
DKK 11,232.45

About the Item

A delightful dose of canine mischief meets masterful metalwork in this wonderfully whimsical bronze inkwell. A trio of sculpted dogs appears to engage in an enthusiastic game of tug of war, their determined little figures pulling at the corners of a richly textured rug that forms the base of this ingenious desk accessory. At its center rises a beautifully crosshatched, basket-textured well, crowned with a hinged lid revealing a verdigris-green interior that offers a lovely contrast to the warm, golden-brown patina of the bronze. Full of character, humor, and exquisite detail, this charming antique brings a playful spirit to the writing desk while showcasing the artistry of figural bronze craftsmanship. A conversation-starting treasure for the collector of antique inkwells, canine curiosities, or simply objects with a story to tell. Measures: 5.5"D x 7.5"W x 2.75"H
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 2.75 in (6.99 cm)Width: 7.5 in (19.05 cm)Depth: 5.5 in (13.97 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    19th Century
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    New York, NY
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1531252660032

More From This Seller

View All
The Serpent's Candle: Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Candlestick

The Serpent's Candle: Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Candlestick

Located in New York, NY

Finely cast gilt-bronze candlestick of circular form, centered by a taper socket mounted upon a faceted rock crystal plinth. The socket is encircled by naturalistically modeled oak l...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Candle Lamps

Materials

Bronze

Late 19th Century Bronze Sculpture: Dog and Turtle Play by Clovis Edmond Masson

Late 19th Century Bronze Sculpture: Dog and Turtle Play by Clovis Edmond Masson

By Clovis Edmond Masson

Located in New York, NY

Captivating late 19th-century bronze sculpture crafted by the skilled hands of Clovis Edmond Masson (1838-1917), depicting a charming scene of a dog engaged i...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

The Little Guardian: Bronze Study of a French Bulldog on Marble Base

The Little Guardian: Bronze Study of a French Bulldog on Marble Base

Located in New York, NY

A charming bronze sculpture depicting a French Bulldog, modeled with alert ears, expressive features, and a compact muscular stance characteristic of the breed. The dog is rendered w...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

The Frog's Leaf: 19th C Art Nouveau Vide-Poche on Mahogany Stand

The Frog's Leaf: 19th C Art Nouveau Vide-Poche on Mahogany Stand

Located in New York, NY

Elegant Art Nouveau vide-poche, crafted in the form of a stylized leaf in patinated bronze, mounted on a shaped mahogany base raised on three bun feet. The leaf is cast with a natura...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Materials

Metal

19th Century Bronze Hunting Plaque

19th Century Bronze Hunting Plaque

Located in New York, NY

19th century bronze hunting plaque Measures approximately: 16" x 14.5" x 1".    

Category

Antique 19th Century Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Majestic Indian Brass-Mounted Wooden Ram Sculpture

Majestic Indian Brass-Mounted Wooden Ram Sculpture

Located in New York, NY

This large Indian brass-mounted wooden ram figure is a remarkable example of traditional craftsmanship, blending the natural beauty of wood with intricate brass appliqués. The carved...

Category

Early 20th Century Indian Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

You May Also Like

Double Patina Bronze Inkwell, Playing Dog, Period, Charles X, 19th Century

Double Patina Bronze Inkwell, Playing Dog, Period, Charles X, 19th Century

Located in CRÉTEIL, FR

A lovely bronze inkwell, double patina, brown and gold, featuring a dog with a lively look, wanting to play, on a base with a doucine decorated with a frieze of water leaves. This...

Category

Antique 19th Century Charles X Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Bronze Dog Puppies Paperweight By Arthur Court 1979, Desk Accessory

Vintage Bronze Dog Puppies Paperweight By Arthur Court 1979, Desk Accessory

By Arthur Court

Located in North Miami, FL

This delightful and charming vintage signed bronze paperweight sculpture are of 6 connecting puppy dogs linked together in different positions. It is hallmarked Arthur Court Designs C. 1979. This is a rare piece. He rarely did his work in bronze. It retains the original darkened patina and has not been polished nor will be. It has weight, interest and makes a fabulous desk accessory. Love this small...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Paperweights

Materials

Bronze

19th Century English Brass Resting Dog Double Inkwell

19th Century English Brass Resting Dog Double Inkwell

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

19th century English brass resting dog double inkwell, the wells opening to the left and the right.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English High Victorian Inkwells

Materials

Brass

1900 viennese bronze 2 pug dogs gold-plated

1900 viennese bronze 2 pug dogs gold-plated

Located in Berlin, DE

Beautiful bronze figure 2x pug dogs Viennese bronze gold plated finely processed

Category

Antique Early 1900s Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Doré Dog Inkwell

Bronze Doré Dog Inkwell

Located in Dallas, TX

A round bronze doré dog inkwell with a hinged top and brown glass eyes. Circa 1900, England.

Category

Antique Early 1900s Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Antique Inkwell With Dachshund Sculpture, Brass, Early 20th Century

Antique Inkwell With Dachshund Sculpture, Brass, Early 20th Century

Located in Greven, DE

Wonderful inkwell made of heavy brass. Beautifully crafted and decorated with a dachshund figure. France, early 20th century.

Category

20th Century Unknown Inkwells

Materials

Brass