Late 18th Century/Edo-Meiji Period Japanese Glazed Porcelain Sculpture of a Dog

By: unknown
Material: porcelain
Technique: molded, pressed, glazed
Dimensions: 5.5 in x 7.5 in x 5
Date: late 18th century
Style: Edo, Meiji
Place of origin: Japan

This glazed porcelain sculpture depicts a dog seated in profile, with head held aloft. Crafted with smooth, luminous surfaces, the details of the animal’s facial features are artfully rendered. The sculpture is further embellished at the neckline with a delicate porcelain bowtie collar.

From the late 18th to 19th century, during the final stages of the Edo period and subsecuently the arrival of the Meiji era, japanese porcelain production underwent significant developments. The expertise of japanese potters reached new heights through innovations in materials, techniques, and aesthetics. Products from major kilns like Imari, Kakiemon, and Satsuma gained global recognition for their technical virtuosity and stylistic expressions, which transformed the trajectory of japanese ceramics. This advancement solidified porcelain’s cultural and economic importance domestically while also establishing Japan as a major exporter to global markets.