This is a really unusual nineteenth century hand modeled and painted red earthenware boxer dog figure that I picked up in June while visiting southeastern Pennsylvania, along with the annual antiques show in Lititz, Pennsylvania. I have never seen anything like this dog before, which is kind of why I was so compelled to acquire it.
Interestingly, the only somewhat comparable piece that I can find is a painted spaniel figure owned by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston made by John Lewis Stone (1850-1927), circa 1870-1880, who was an associate of the Kirkpatrick brothers of Anna pottery fame in Illinois. Although, the two pieces are unrelated. Stone also manufactured temperance jugs in Oletha, Texas similar to those produced in Anna, among other significant objects.
But with a little research, I have actually become quite excited over this piece, learning that the boxer was developed in Germany in the nineteenth century, and they are descendants of mastiffs, bulldogs, great danes and terriers. Early on in the 1800s the dogs were known as butcher's helpers, often helping control herds of cattle. And knowing this information now, I feel confidently that this piece of American folk art was most likely made in the Mid Atlantic region (perhaps in southeastern Pennsylvania), where there was a large German population in the 1800s.
Nonetheless though, I really enjoy the fact that this piece is unlike anything I have ever seen before, and it is certainly what is referred to today as an "off hour piece" at a nineteenth century pottery business. This first photo was taken in June in the parking lot outside the Lititz Antiques Show, while the remaining two pictures were taken on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan.
A Wonderful 19th Century Boxer Dog Figure Probably from the Mid Atlantic Region
Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...
