Animal Figurine Container Appraisal

Squirrel and Walnut Ceramic Lidded Container

This item is a ceramic lidded container designed to resemble a large walnut, topped with a figurine of a squirrel. The container is spherical, mimicking the shape of a whole walnut, with textured surfaces throughout both the lid and the base that replicate the natural ridges and grooves of a walnut shell. The color of the 'nut' portion is a muted, light beige or off-white, with visible signs of age or use, including several yellowish-brown stains on both the lid and the base, suggesting either residue from contents, discoloration from exposure, or possibly intended aging in the finish. The nut appears to be comprised of two interlocking halves, forming the base and the lid. Perched atop the lid is a small, three-dimensional squirrel figurine, rendered in a darker brown, almost reddish-brown, glaze. The squirrel is depicted in a naturalistic pose, possibly sitting or reaching, with its tail prominently curved upwards and detailed with texture to suggest fur. The overall construction appears to be molded ceramic with a glazed finish. There are no visible maker's marks or signatures in the provided image. Given the style and apparent construction, this item likely dates from the mid-22th to late 20th century. The craftsmanship appears to be of moderate quality, with good detail on the squirrel figure and effective replication of the walnut texture. It functions as a decorative storage vessel.