Antique Hand-Painted Terracotta Cocker Spaniel Pottery Figure, 1920s

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Deeply textured black curls frame the head of this life-size seated English Cocker Spaniel, falling into long, pendulous ears that … Read more Deeply textured black curls frame the head of this life-size seated English Cocker Spaniel, falling into long, pendulous ears that rest beside the chest. The modeller has captured the attentive demeanor of the breed, presenting the dog with an alert turn of the head, raised muzzle and soft amber-brown painted eyes. Crisp tooling defines the feathered coat across the legs, shoulders and flank, while delicate black stippling along the chest and forelegs mimics natural roan or ticked markings against the cream-white ground. Distinctive modelled folds around the brow and jowls lend genuine character to the canine portrait. The figure is moulded in hollow terracotta earthenware, a traditional ceramic method well suited to large animal figures because it reduces weight and allows even heat penetration during firing. Turning the piece over reveals the coarse reddish-brown clay body around the open base, confirming its terracotta construction. The exterior is coated in smooth cream-white and glossy black enamels, with subtle pinkish-brown wash accents applied around the lips, nostrils and eyelids to emphasise the dog's facial structure. Although bearing no visible factory backstamp or modeller's incised mark, substantial earthenware canine figures of this type were manufactured in both British and continental European centres, notably Staffordshire in England and the ceramic workshops of northern Italy, during the early to mid-20th century. Such sizable decorative figures served as fireplace ornaments, hall accents or conservatory features in grander residences. Measuring 55 cm in height and approximately 60 cm in length, the figure matches the proportions of a living adult Cocker Spaniel. Its hollow interior provides stability when placed directly on the floor or atop a sturdy plinth. The painted finish remains well preserved overall, showing only minor, scattered rubbing to the cold-painted or enamelled surface in keeping with careful domestic display over several decades. See less