An antique, heavy cast brass multi-rest ashtray or trinket dish dating from the late 19th to early 20th century. The central relief depicts a charming historic folk scene of two children in traditional European dress, with a young boy smoking a long tavern or churchwarden pipe next to a young girl. The ornate frame features three integrated cigarette or cigar rests, heavily detailed scrolling foliage, and a dramatic, stylized mythical dragon or wyvern forming the openwork handle.
This piece beautifully captures the historicist and Rococo Revival design trends of the late Victorian and Edwardian eras. Foundries often combined dramatic, fantastical folklore elements—like the guardian dragon handle—with cozy, romanticized village scenes. The imagery likely references regional European folk tales where a clever peasant child tames a mythical beast using a magic pipe or musical instrument to protect his family.
Made from heavy cast brass, the underside features a distinct sand-cast texture with integrated raised feet.
Dimensions
Width: 16cm
Height: 12cm
Condition
Very good antique condition, featuring a characterful natural patina with deep oxidation and subtle verdigris that highlights the intricate details of the relief work and dragon handle.