Fontinelle Louis - Pekingese in ceramics

Fontinelle Louis 1886-1964 Pekingese in ceramics. A Pekingese dog figure with monochromatic ceramics signed on the back L. FONTINELLE, masterfully modeled by the Parisian artist Louis Fontinelle (1886-1964). This French art deco sculpture dates back to 1925, is in excellent condition, with an ivory-colored patina and an inscription inside the figure: EMUNAR PARIS. 

The work in question depicts a Pekingese elegantly sitting idly on an oval base; the physical features, characteristic flattened muzzle, and very dense long hair outline the inherent traits of these little emperors: loyal, obedient, affectionate, very companionable, with a distinct tendency towards a sedentary lifestyle (the Pekingese was already a salon dog in Chinese royal courts over 2000 years ago)! 

The origins of this breed are very old, in the past, it was a dog of the imperial family from Beijing, and then brought to Europe by English and French soldiers in 1860. Until now, the "Pekingese" was distinguished by curved limbs to prevent it from being separated from the imperial residence. The breed standard developed by Empress Cixi (Tzu-Hsi) stipulated that this dog must be picky in eating, have a fur collar that gives it dignity, hairy feet to avoid making noise while walking, and a coat in any color to match the dog with any outfit. The legs had to be arched to prevent it from straying. 

After export, it gained particular popularity and fame throughout Great Britain, hence the generality of the breed is attributed to the Anglo-Saxon island along with China.

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