Two puppies, Japan, Arita, Edo period (1603 - 1868), 1670 - 1700. Porcelain, painted in overglaze black, iron red, aubergine and gold. H. 13.9 cm, 12.5 cm. PO 4813. Porcelain Collection. © Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden 2013

Two puppies, Japan, Arita, Edo period (1603 - 1868), 1670 - 1700. Porcelain, painted in overglaze black, iron red, aubergine and gold. H. 14.6 cm, L 14 cm. PO 4815. Porcelain Collection. © Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden 2013

The beautiful figures of the two spotted dogs (PO 4815, PO 4814) were purchased from August the Strong for three dollars. In the inventory of 1721 as "two-seated colorful dogs with red collars and cuffs" lists. The short stocky legs, the little ringed tail and the playful expression of the faces suggest that they are puppies. Contact with your head and look up to each other. Each of the two puppy wearing a red collar with gold bells. The fur of the animals is indicated by irregular patches of black, iron-red and gold. The figures of the puppies were probably made in three different modeling. Legs, head and smaller parts were made separately and applied. (From The Porcelain Collection in Dresden, China, Japan, Meissen, Dresden, 2006, p 56)