A wonderfully characterful vintage handmade studio pottery dog figurine, modelled as a long-haired terrier, most likely a Yorkshire Terrier / Yorkie or a Cairn Terrier.

The dog has been hand-built from ceramic/stoneware-type clay with an unusually detailed textured coat. Individual thin strands and strips of clay have been applied across the body to create the dog’s long shaggy fur, particularly around the face, muzzle and legs. The pointed ears and button nose have a contrasting dark finish.

The piece is hollow and has a firing/vent hole through the underside of the base. There is no visible maker’s mark or signature.

Research suggests this type of highly textured hand-built animal sculpture was particularly popular within British and North American studio pottery during the later 20th century. The construction, earthy oxide-toned finish and heavily applied clay-strip decoration are consistent with studio pottery pieces produced during approximately the 1970s–1980s. As the piece is unsigned, the exact potter and country of manufacture cannot be confirmed.

I would date this example most likely to circa 1980s, although a slightly earlier or later date is possible.

Measures approximately 9.5cm tall including the ears.

Vintage condition with age-related surface wear and irregularities associated with handmade pottery. There are various small cracks, gaps and uneven areas amongst the applied clay strands. There is also a pronounced vertical firing/construction crack or separation running down the centre of the head and continuing along the back, as clearly shown in the photographs. The ears have surface wear/marks and there are other small imperfections throughout.

A particularly unusual piece of vintage studio pottery with lots of handmade character, and a lovely decorative collectible for a Yorkshire Terrier, Cairn Terrier or dog lover.