Bidspirit auction | UPW / Union Porcelain Works

UPW / Union Porcelain Works (Brooklyn, NY) Parian Porcelain ”Molossian Hound” Dog Figure - UPW / Union Porcelain Works (Brooklyn, NY) Parian Porcelain ”Molossian Hound” Dog Figure Parian porcelain molded in the form of a fearsome hound dog seated on an oval plinth bearing an incised ”U. P. W.” mark to underside. Fourth quarter 19th century. Dimensions: 4 5/8” H, 4” x 2 5/8” base. Condition: An old discolored repair to the dog's top jaw with areas of overpaint around neck and muzzle; otherwise excellent condition. Provenance: The Stradling Study Collection. Purchased from Dr. Tom Folk (New Jersey), 01/18/2005. Catalogue Note: A porcelain copy of an ancient Roman marble copy of a now-lost ancient Greek bronze sculpture of a Molossian hound. The Molossian was a breed of dog in ancient Greece which is believed to be an ancestor of the modern mastiff. The Union Porcelain Works' examples were probably executed by Karl Muller (1820-1887) who was hired by the company in 1874 (Frelinghuysen 1989, p. 158). Famous marble examples can be found in the Museo Pio Clementino in the Vatican, as well as in the Uffizi in Florence. The most iconic example though, whose nickname became a stand-in for all such statues, is the one at the British Museum, now known as the ”Jennings Dog” but previously known as the ”Dog of Alcibiades” (inv. 2001,1010.1). Auctioneer's Note: We are thrilled to bring the Stradling Study Collection to market in partnership with Connor Rush of SFR Antiques, whose help and scholarship enabled the completion of this session's catalogue. A bibliography for the sale can be found here: ( https://bit.ly/3RYodeh ). For questions about lots 1 through 111 in this sale, or for help accessing the bibliography, please reach out to connor@nyeandcompany.com. Condition: Condition reports are not provided in catalog descriptions. The absence of a condition report does not guarantee that the lot is in good condition or free from damage and wear. We encourage you to request a condition report and/or additional photos prior to bidding on any lot. We also recommend asking for a shipping quote before bidding. CASH, CASHIER CHECK, MONEY ORDER, AND WIRE TRANSFER ARE THE ONLY METHODS OF PAYMENT ACCEPTED FOR JEWELRY.