Dachshund (brooch)
circa 1910s (?)
(sapphire, cornaline and gold)
Such a small and stubby pup created by such an historic and prestigious jewellery company. Rather geometric and sharp in shape the dachshund comes off as perky and attentive, and no doubt a bit peckish, too, with its long snout seeming to forever reach out just that much further to have another nosey swipe at that invisible pigeon or feline - oh, what teasers. As with Van Cleef & Arpels' Squat Duckling (see post for 29 December 2013) this dog carries its character proudly on its little shoulders. Perhaps not as lively as the other brooch, it still catches one's attention if not for its minimal but clearly skilled handy-work and its elegant armour of bright stones. The subtle wit of attaching the pin-and-chain to the dachshund's 'collar' as if it were an actual leash also adds a touch of humour to the piece, almost as if to warn the wearer that this dog, short but mischievous, requires a close eye and a firm hand - because he might just run for it.
