Provenance:
- Private Collection, Paris, France 2023
Condition Report Available
€ 13,500
This object can be viewed in our gallery.
An enamel on biscuit figure of a hound, decorated all over in bright Egg & Spinach enamels. The hound sits on its haunches, its head tilted to the left. It has a friendly countenance with floppy ears and long muzzle, the open mouth revealing its tongue and teeth. The sides of its sleek body are carved, to indicate ribs and its tail curls around its left hind leg. Around its neck is a collar with a bell.
The dog (gou 狗) is the eleventh sign of the zodiac and one of the Six Domestic Animals in China. It has a variety of symbolic meanings, but is typically represented as a symbol of fidelity. The more sleek elegant hounds, have also been associated with high rank and status. The breed of this model, possibly represents a smooth-coated greyhound, introduced by the Portuguese in the 16th century. However, this hound also resembles a long muzzled breed which is native to China. The various Chinese porcelain models of dogs – hounds, spaniels and pugs - were very popular in Europe, where they found eager buyers.
A pair of similar Egg & Spinach hounds, are in the Virgottis collection in Musée Ariana, Lausanne. A hound in the Copeland Collection in the Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, is similarly enamelled but stands on a famille verte base.
Thank you for enquiring about this artwork. Please enter the form below and we will contact you swiftly.
