Pfeffer Gotha - Knife rest (2) - Porcelain - Whippets / Greyhounds

Pfeffer Gotha – Pair of Art Deco Porcelain Greyhound / Whippet Knife Rests – Germany – 1934–1942 – Vintage Sighthound Figurines Offered for auction is an elegant matching pair of vintage porcelain knife rests depicting two beautifully stylised greyhounds or whippets, produced by the German porcelain manufacturer Pfeffer Gotha in Gotha, Thuringia, Germany. These attractive Art Deco table accessories feature two graceful, elongated sighthounds in a reclining, stretched-out position, with their front legs extended, slender bodies raised slightly in the middle and hind legs stretching backwards. The exceptionally streamlined silhouettes, simplified anatomical details and glossy white surfaces make them attractive examples of Art Deco-inspired animal porcelain. Both dogs have small, expressive ears, long narrow muzzles, delicate black eyes and black-painted noses. The two knife rests form a charming matching pair and can be used as traditional table accessories or displayed as decorative porcelain animal figurines. Manufacturer and history Pfeffer Gotha was a German porcelain and faience manufacturer located in Gotha, Thuringia, a region well known for its porcelain production. The factory became particularly associated with decorative animal figurines, porcelain dogs and other small ceramic sculptures. The Pfeffer company was established in the late 19th century and continued producing animal porcelain during the early 20th century. Following a reorganisation in 1934, the business operated under Ilse Pfeffer until its closure in 1942. One of the knife rests bears the Pfeffer Porzellan Gotha manufacturer's mark on the underside, corresponding to the period 1934–1942. The design reflects the elegant, simplified animal forms popular during the Art Deco era, especially in the 1920s, 1930s and early 1940s. Material and craftsmanship The knife rests are made of genuine glazed porcelain, finished in a beautiful glossy white glaze. Their smooth surfaces emphasise the flowing shapes of the dogs, including the elongated necks, slender muzzles, extended legs and gently curved backs. The minimal black-painted details around the eyes, noses and mouths give each animal its own expression while preserving the clean, elegant appearance of the white porcelain. The design combines naturalistic animal features with stylised Art Deco proportions. The elongated shape is particularly suitable for use as a knife rest, allowing cutlery to be placed neatly above the surface of a dining table. Art Deco design These porcelain knife rests are excellent examples of the streamlined animal designs associated with the Art Deco period. Greyhounds and whippets were popular subjects in early 20th-century decorative arts because of their slender anatomy, elegant movement and refined appearance. Their graceful shapes were frequently represented in porcelain, ceramics, metal sculptures, glass and other decorative materials. The long, flowing silhouettes of these dogs also make them attractive objects for collectors of Art Deco animalier sculpture and vintage European porcelain. Dimensions Approximate dimensions per individual knife rest: Length: 13.2 cm (132 mm) Width: 1.6 cm (16 mm) Height: 3.2 cm (32 mm) Quantity: 2 matching porcelain knife rests. Manufacturer: Pfeffer Gotha Country of origin: Germany Period: Approximately 1934–1942 Style: Art Deco Material: Glazed porcelain Subject: Greyhound / Whippet / Sighthound Function and decorative appeal Originally intended as knife rests, these small porcelain animals are both practical table accessories and decorative miniature sculptures. Knife rests were traditionally used during formal dining to keep the blades of table knives from touching the tablecloth. Today, vintage animal-shaped knife rests are popular collectibles and can also be displayed as decorative objects in a cabinet, dining room, kitchen or collector's collection. These greyhound knife rests are particularly attractive because of their elegant white appearance, characteristic Art Deco design and matching animal subjects. Collecting interest and search terms The pair will appeal to collectors of Pfeffer Gotha, Pfeffer porcelain, German porcelain, Thuringian porcelain, antique German ceramics, European decorative arts, Art Deco porcelain and vintage tableware. They are also of interest to enthusiasts of greyhounds, whippets, sighthounds, windhounds, racing dogs, hunting dogs, canine figurines, dog sculptures, dog statues, porcelain dogs, ceramic dogs, white dog figurines, greyhound collectibles, whippet collectibles, sighthound ornaments and animalier art. Related collecting categories include antique knife rests, vintage knife rests, porcelain knife rests, ceramic knife holders, cutlery rests, knife supports, table knife rests, dining accessories, table decorations, Art Deco tableware, animal knife rests, dog knife rests, novelty cutlery rests and collectible table accessories. Other relevant themes include Art Deco animal sculptures, miniature animal figurines, porcelain animal statues, vintage animal ornaments, white porcelain collectibles, hand-painted porcelain, German decorative ceramics, 1930s design, early 1940s porcelain, antique-style dining accessories and European porcelain animal collectibles. Condition Both knife rests are in a very good vintage condition, with minor signs of age and previous use. Please carefully examine all photographs for an accurate impression of their condition. The photographs form an integral part of the description. Shipping Both porcelain knife rests will be individually wrapped in protective packaging and will be sent with track & trace. An elegant matching pair of German Art Deco porcelain greyhound or whippet knife rests by Pfeffer Gotha Thüringen, dating from approximately 1934–1942. A charming combination of vintage German porcelain, sighthound figurines, Art Deco design and traditional decorative tableware.

Estimate:$168.03

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