Early 20th Century Brass Fire Dogs, 1890s, Set of 2

A pair of Victorian late 19th century, early 20th century brass fire irons or Fire Dogs, possibly produced around the time of the Aesthetic Movement with influences from Middle East. Fire Dogs and fire dogs are devices made of metal and (rarely) ceramic which support the firewood. They normally stand upon short legs and are usually connected with an upright guard. The guard keeps the logs in the fireplace as they burn and settle. This guard, which may be of iron, steel, copper, bronze, or silver, may be simple, or elaborately ornamented (often with patterns or heraldic ornaments, such as the fleur-de-lis, with sphinxes, grotesque animals, mythological statuettes, or caryatides supporting heroic figures or emblems). A common decoration in the form of a canine plays on the dual meanings of the word dog (canine and inanimate holder or blocker). Depth of iron bar 51.5cm and 52cm.