Bolognese Terrier 1811 - 1850

This fetching Bolognese Terrier was made at the Popov Manufactory in 19th-century Russia, crafted in porcelain and enamel. The material itself is key here: porcelain, a high-status material associated with wealth and refinement. You can see how the qualities of the porcelain influence the appearance of the dog. The smooth, white surface allows for a delicate rendering of the Bolognese Terrier's fluffy coat, with each strand meticulously shaped. Note the contrasting patches of enamel. These are deftly applied, accentuating the animal's form. The Popov Manufactory was known for producing high-quality porcelain for the Russian elite. This piece would likely have been displayed as a status symbol, demonstrating the owner's taste and affluence. The making of porcelain objects involved skilled labor, from the initial preparation of the clay to the final firing and decoration. This piece speaks to the intersection of art, craft, and commerce in 19th-century Russia, where luxury goods were both objects of beauty and symbols of social standing.