Susan Parkinson "Pekingese"

An abstract porcelain model of a 'Peke', or Pekingese dog, designed by Susan Parkinson and created in her pottery in Brabourne Lees, Kent, circa 1961.

Susan Parkinson's Pekingese is a convincing caricature despite the abstract nature of her design. When creating a new model, Parkinson focussed only on the most essential elements of the animal to create her stylised impressions. Here, Parkinson has studied this special breed of dog, perfectly capturing its personality with a big, bushy ears & tail, along with its tiny legs & distinctive face. The face has been expertly applied with just a few short brushstrokes, and evokes this breed perfectly with its large jowls and squashed proportions. The dog's long fur is indicated by just a few curved lines which have been applied with a wax-resist method. 

With the model number 140, this Pekingese figurine, with the official name 'Peke', first appeared in the Parkinson's January 1961 catalogue, and was produced in small quantity.