These are a large PAIR of antique earthenware (or terracotta) pottery Grotesque Dog sculptures, all hand made and dating to the 19th Century, probably made in Italy.
 
These life-size sculptures ( nearly 27 inches high) are quite different, being hand sculpted out of earthenware pottery, then glazed and hand coloured with black enamel, having streaks or highlights of a red colour. The glaze is more of a wash which leaves the finish almost matt in places. The modelling is very well done with good detail and the dogs faces having an almost grotesque look about them, which is full of individual character. Both dogs are slim and upright, modelled in a seated position on their haunches, both having dog collars. Their mouths are open with bared fangs and their tongues hanging out. One dog is slightly larger than the other with more of a red streaked colour, probably the male dog.
 
These individual dog sculptures make a real statement and talking point, they are unusual, different and highly decorative !!
Dimensions: 
Height: 26.5 in (67.31 cm)Width: 11.9 in (30.23 cm)Depth: 8.25 in (20.96 cm)
Condition: 
Good bu some Repairs: Both dogs have old repairs to the feet, a crack across one paw on each dog. One dog has a repaired partial crack near its collar but not all the way round. The dogs were repaired when we obtained them but both dogs are structurally sound. Wear consistent with age and use. See details above for previous repairs. Otherwise very good. Structurally good. Please see images.