Pug Print

The Pug’s origins date back over 2,000 years to ancient China where they were bred as a royal companion to the emperor, his family, and members of the imperial court. Pugs were a closely held treasure that outsiders could acquire only as a gift. It wasn’t until 1500 that they were brought to Europe by the Dutch. The origin of the name is unclear. One suggests that Pug is based on the Latin word “pugnus,” meaning “fist”—the idea being that the dog’s face resembles a clenched fist. Others believe the name comes from it’s similar facial expressions to marmoset monkeys that were popular pets in the 1700s and also called Pugs.

8.5” x 11” open edition screen-print, black ink on speckle tone off white paper, hand printed and signed by the artist.