Inuit Soapstone Carving, Presumed A Very Sweet Dog deer in undergrowth then labelled pairs

then labelled pairs

I am fairly certain this lovely small Japanese lacquer on papier mache box dates to Meiji period

and attacked a smaller Confederate fleet led by Admiral Franklin Buchanan

and 1 1/4" tall

with Fornasetti mark on reverse

Inuit Soapstone Carving, Presumed A Very Sweet Dog deer in undergrowth then labelled pairsTo my knowledge this seems a fairly unusual Inuit carving, looking to me like a domestic dog (though definitely with some seal like attributes, too!) I assume the band around the neck is a collar, with sock like front paws to match, and then this super sweet face, gentle looking face, with small ears and head turned toward one side in what feels like a gesture of curiosity as well, perhaps, as an eagerness to be pet! Very charming. 3 5 8" l x 2 1 16"