A PAIR OF 11” PUGS

The models for de Gournay’s matched pair of seated Pug Dogs are well sculpted with clipped ears and large eyes lending an alert pugnacious stance. The neck decorated with a simple thong collar bearing a gilt drop bell and the body ending in a bush tail. The clipped ears were a common feature of Chinese fighting dogs. The body has been naturalistically painted with detailed grisaille fur leaving a pale chest and belly., while the protruding tongue is decorated in iron-red to match the collar. The design dates from approximately 1760 and is relatively rare. Later versions in which the dogs were smaller, appeared less belligerent with un-cut ears, which made them look more like a cross between a pug and a spaniel, were more popular with Western buyers. This change reflected similar changes in other Chinese Export products to become increasingly Westernised and less Chinese over time.