Realistically sculpted in the round, the figure stands on all fours, its head turned toward the viewer with its mouth slightly open. A rich brown glaze with black markings mimics the texture of fur, enhancing its lifelike appearance.

This rare and unusual form appears to draw direct inspiration from European models—possibly Meissen or other German porcelain examples—which were reproduced in China specifically for export to the European market.

Porcelain depictions of wolves are exceptionally rare in traditional Chinese decorative arts, as the animal held little symbolic or aesthetic significance in that context. However, during the 17th and 18th centuries, Chinese artisans began creating figurines and decorative objects inspired by Western designs, catering to European tastes and collectors. These export wares introduced new animal motifs, including wolves, that were seldom seen in native Chinese art.

Like the present example, such animal figures were often meticulously modeled with extraordinary attention to detail. Artisans captured the natural posture, expressive features, and texture of fur with remarkable skill. Their forms closely mirror European porcelain styles—especially those of Meissen, celebrated for its dynamic and lifelike animal sculptures. The influence of Meissen and other European workshops is evident in both the modeling and finishing of these figures, which were typically rendered fully in the round and posed in active, naturalistic stances. Glazed in earthy tones or more vibrant hues, these works reflect the fusion of Chinese craftsmanship with Western artistic preferences, born from the robust cultural exchange of the Qing Dynasty, particularly under the reigns of the Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong emperors.

Export porcelain foxes and wolves were produced in limited numbers, created to satisfy the European fascination with exotic and finely crafted objects. Adorned with fur-like glazes and hand-painted accents, they were likely part of larger decorative ensembles or thematic displays in aristocratic homes and palaces. Their rarity today enhances their value and appeal among collectors and scholars of Chinese export porcelain.