Vintage Japanese Ceramic Collie Dog Family Figurine Set

This ensemble consists of four ceramic figurines representing a Collie dog family, featuring two larger adult figures and two smaller puppies. The pieces are crafted from slip-cast ceramic with a high-gloss glazed finish. The coloration is typical of the mid-century 'occupied Japan' or post-war Japanese import style, utilizing a palette of tri-color brown, black, and white glazes with airbrushed transitions. A notable feature is the fine gold-tone metal chain that physically links the mother dog to her offspring, a common novelty design element in mid-20th-century ceramics. The modeling shows stylized anatomical features with hand-painted facial details, including distinctive white blazes on the foreheads. The largest figure stands approximately 4-5 inches tall. Regarding condition, there is visible crazing in the glaze consistent with age, particularly on the white sections. Surface grime and some minor oxidation on the metal chain are present. One puppy shows a potential small fleabite chip on an ear. This set likely dates from the 1950s or 1960s and represents the popularized Lassie-era collectibles, characterized by charming but mass-produced craftsmanship.