Ornate Seahorse

[Keith123]

Looks like a seahorse with some type of iron mount down by the tail. Suppose it could be a handle or part of a garden ornament. It appears to be made of copper alloy and is just over 4” long. Any ideas what this is and approximate age?

 

[Wildcat1750]

Or a slim sea monster?

 

[randazzo1]

I’ve seen this creature identified (by fairly reputable sources like Christie’s ) variously as: stylized dolphin, Asian fish, and dragon.

 

[Back-of-the-boat]

Google mythical Asian water dragon and you will see where the idea comes from for the piece.

 

[DCMatt]

AKA heraldic dolphin.