Pug dog

Date1750-1752

Artist/Maker Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory 1745-1769

MediumSoft-paste porcelain

DimensionsH: 3 1/2"; W: 4 5/8"; D: 2 11/16"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1962-93

DescriptionA plain white figure of a dog lying on a cushion with tassels at each corner. The dog's head turned to the right, bow at back of his neck, front legs extended out in front of him, and his tail looped upward to the right.

Raised anchor period.Label TextCeramic figures of pug dogs, probably from Meissen, must have been extremely popular in the early 1750s. Not only have they survived in Chelsea, in the white and in polychrome, but they are also found in Bow porcelain and in Staffordshire porcelain from Longton Hall as well as in salt-glazed stoneware. By 1755 they were being made in porcelain at Derby and in Whieldon-type earthenware in Staffordshire. A Chelsea example facing the other way and perhaps a companion piece to this was formerly in the James McGregor Stewart collection.Inscription(s)NoMark(s)Anchor in relief on medallion applied to top of cushion at dog's left.ProvenanceEx coll: M.G. Kaufman, Chicagio