ASEA fire dog

This Swedish fire dog was produced by ASEA during the 1940s and is made in solid cast iron. The piece is formed as a stylized terrier-type dog with an elongated body, short legs, and an upright tail, functioning as a practical fireplace support while also serving as a sculptural decorative element. The surface is modeled with strongly defined, radiating grooves that suggest fur and give the object a pronounced sense of rhythm and texture.

The cast iron has a dark charcoal-black tone with warmer brown highlights visible on raised areas and edges, where handling and age have naturally softened the finish. The modeling is graphic rather than naturalistic, with a simplified head and snout, pointed ears, and an almost architectural silhouette that reads clearly from the side. Its low, stable stance and compact footprint are consistent with its intended use in a hearth, where weight and heat resistance are essential.

ASEA (Allmänna Svenska Elektriska Aktiebolaget) is primarily known as one of Sweden’s major industrial manufacturers, but the company also produced a range of robust household and architectural objects in cast iron, reflecting the strong Swedish tradition of functional metalwork. Fire tools and fire dogs from this period were designed to be durable and utilitarian, yet many examples incorporate playful figurative forms that align with the mid-century interest in combining everyday function with sculptural design.

The fire dog is in good condition with signs of use, including surface wear and patina consistent with age and fireplace-related handling. It measures 34.5 x 6.5 x 13 cm (approximately 13.6 x 2.6 x 5.1 inches).