Large figurine "Seated Pug" Meissen

With a small tail, its head turned toward the viewer. Brown eyes and a black nose, along with a fur pattern of light brown and black stripes. Polychrome painting. Possibly the work of Johann Joachim Kändler and Peter Reinicke. Uncertain attribution; crossed swords mark. Height 23 cm. According to Johann Joachim Kändler's tax records, he is credited with creating various pug models from 1734 to the mid-18th century. A secret symbol of the Freemasons—the pug with the Order of the Pug, a society with members of the Roman Catholic Church. In these circles, the pug was a symbol of loyalty, reliability, and constancy. See Rücker, Catalog of Meissen Porcelain, Bavarian National Museum, number 1091. Pietsch, Triumph of the Blue Swords, number 327. Large porcelain figurine of a pug. Minor chips. Crossed swords mark. Meissen. 18th century.