Large Meissen figure "Sitting Pug"

With a small tail, the head turned towards the viewer. Brown eyes and a black snout, as well as a light brown and black striped fur pattern. Polychrome painting. Possibly by Johann Joachim Kaendler and Peter Reinicke. Uncertain attribution; crossed sword mark. Height 23 cm. Attributed by the tax records of Johann Joachim Kaendler, he designed various pug models from 1734 until the middle of the 18th century. The secret symbol of the Freemasons is the pug with the pug order, a society with Roman Catholic members. The pug was a symbol of loyalty, reliability, and steadfastness in these circles. See Rücker, Catalogue of Meissen Porcelain, Bayerisches Nationalmuseum, No. 1091; Pietzsch, Triumph of the Blue Swords, No. 327. A large porcelain figure of a pug dog. Insignificantly chipped. Crossed swords mark. Meissen. 18th century.