Vintage Italian Majolica Ceramic Pekingese / Shih Tzu Dog on Striped Pillow Statue

A beautiful, one-of-a-kind vintage Italian ceramic sculpture depicting a long-haired Pekingese or Shih Tzu dog comfortably resting atop a tasseled cushion. Hand-painted in Italy during the mid-to-late 20th century, it features rich honey-brown and amber brushwork across the flowing coat, deep expressive eyes, and a sweet, slightly exposed tongue.

The handsome pup rests on a sculpted ceramic pillow painted in a timeless olive green and white stripe motif, detailed with braided cord trimming and golden corner tassels.

It is said that the Pekingese dog was favored by royalty of the Chinese Imperial court as both a lap dog and companion dog, and its name refers to the city of Peking where the Forbidden City is located. 

• 14.5" L x 9" W x 12.5" H
• Italy, circa 1960s–1970s
• Glazed Ceramic / Majolica
• Great vintage condition with minimal surface wear on the base consistent with age. One fine, faint hairline crack running vertically along the white glaze of the base below the tail. It is cosmetic, stable, and does not affect the structural integrity of the piece