Handmade Ocarina Appraisal

Ceramic Whistle Ocarina

This appears to be a small, spherical ceramic musical instrument, commonly known as an ocarina or a particular type of whistle due to its multiple finger holes and a single mouthpiece. The item has a smooth, glossy glaze with a prominent teal or blue-green color, exhibiting slight variations in tone that suggest a reactive glaze or hand-applied finish. There is a small, curved handle on one side, allowing for a comfortable grip or possibly for attachment to a strap. The mouthpiece is a raised cylindrical opening at the top, surrounded by a subtle brown rim, which is also visible on the interior of the opening and the finger holes, indicating the color of the underlying clay or a secondary glaze. The body features at least five circular finger holes, three visible on the front and two more partially visible on the side, suggesting additional holes not fully captured in the image. The construction appears to be solid and well-fired, with no obvious cracks, chips, or repairs. The surface shows a light patina consistent with handling and use, but no significant damage. Its small size, compact form, and the presence of uniform finger holes indicate it is designed for producing melodic sounds. The craftsmanship suggests it might be a handmade or artisan piece rather than mass-produced, with slight imperfections in the glaze application adding to its unique character. The style is somewhat rustic or folk art-inspired, hinting at an age that could range from mid-20th century to contemporary, given the timeless nature of such ceramic instruments. The quality is good, given the apparent intactness and functional design.