A massive and rare English porcelain model of an Italian greyhound 1st half 19th century

A massive and rare English porcelain model of an Italian greyhound 1st half 19th century, perhaps Rockingham, finely modelled and seated with head turned, raised on a claret cushion with white scrolling edges, damages, 40cm across.

The impressive size of this model may indicate a one-off production for one of the many royal or noble owners of this popular breed, which include in their number Queen Victoria, Catherine the Great and Anne of Denmark. Catherine's favoured dog (Zemira) was immortalised more than once in porcelain.