A Rare Pair of Early 19th Century Neapolitan Black-Glazed Terracotta Poodles c.1810–30

Origin: Italian, Probably Naples
Period: Early 19thC
Provenance: Unknown
Date: c.1810-25
Height: 5.5”
Width: 7.5”
Depth: 2.25” (each)

The wonderfully eccentric pair of Neapolitan terracotta poodles, each standing four-square upon a simple rectangular plinth and modelled as a complementary pair, their sleek bodies covered in a rich lustrous black glaze contrasting dramatically with the extraordinarily worked coats, each formed from innumerable individually applied curls of clay, creating dense, almost sculptural manes around the heads, chests and forelegs, with similarly modelled pom-pom tails, one dog accompanied by a charming polychrome basket of oranges at its feet, the handle picked out in blue, green, ochre and cream, the wholes surviving from the first quarter of the nineteenth century and most likely Naples.

Both survive with considerable age and character. There are scattered losses and abrasions to the exceptionally fragile applied curls, together with rubbing and small losses to the black glaze revealing the red earthenware beneath. The polychrome basket has one section of loss and the hind legs with hairlines as photographed, with further minor chips and firing irregularities throughout. The unglazed bases display the expected surface irregularities and wear associated with age, revealing the warm reddish-brown terracotta body. Despite these faults, the pair remain remarkably complete given the delicacy of their construction and retain a particularly attractive, untouched appearance.

The red earthenware body, deep black glaze and sophisticated sculptural modelling are consistent with the ceramic traditions of Naples during the early decades of the nineteenth century, a period in which Neapolitan potteries produced an extraordinarily varied range of ornamental wares alongside objects inspired by the rediscovery of the ancient world. The celebrated Giustiniani manufactory was among the leading workshops operating within this tradition and an association with its production, or that of a related Neapolitan workshop, is possible, although in the absence of a factory mark the attribution remains unproven. Poodles themselves became fashionable decorative subjects during the Georgian and Empire periods, yet the elongated modelling, severe black surfaces and extraordinarily tactile applied coats distinguish these from the more familiar Staffordshire interpretations of the breed.

A rare and exceptionally decorative pair, simultaneously elegant and wonderfully strange; indeed, no directly comparable example of this particular model has presently been identified, adding further interest to an already highly individual pair.