Art Deco Greyhounds Figurine
Decorative art; porcelain figurine • Likely European porcelain manufacture (such as Rosenthal, Hutschenreuther, or Royal Dux), or a later mid-century imitation in that style.
Style & Movement
Art Deco / Mid-Century Modernism
Medium & Technique
Glazed porcelain with hand-painted underglaze details
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1930-1960)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 8 to 12 inches in length; horizontal cabinet-size format.
Subject Description
A pair of stylized greyhounds or whippets in a dynamic, reclined pose. The figures emphasize sleek lines and elongated forms characteristic of interwar European design, conveying speed and elegance.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Poor; the piece sustained significant structural damage with several broken and missing extremities.
Estimated Market Value
$20 - $50 (Significantly reduced due to catastrophic damage)
Auction Estimate
$10 - $30
Provenance History
Unknown; likely a mass-produced luxury decorative item for the domestic market. No visible maker's marks are apparent in the current view.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the popularization of the Art Deco 'Speed' aesthetic in middle-class decorative arts. While the form honors the elegance of the original period, this specific mass-market piece has limited historical weight compared to signed studio works.
Notable Features
The high-gloss finish and the 'flowing' anatomical connection between the two dogs are typical of 1930s-style canine studies designed for mantelpiece display.
Condition Issues
Major structural failure: the front and rear legs of the upper dog appear to be snapped off and missing. The tail of the lower dog may also be damaged. High-gloss glaze shows some light surface grime.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional ceramic restoration is required to reconstruct the missing limbs, though the cost of repair may exceed the item's current value. Display on a velvet-lined surface away from edges to prevent further breakage.