Mid-Century Ceramic Hot Air Balloon and Clouds Figurine

This decorative ceramic figurine depicts a vibrant hot air balloon floating amidst a stylized cluster of white clouds. The item is constructed from glazed pottery, likely earthenware, featuring a high-gloss finish. The balloon itself is a primary yellow color with modeled scalloped paneling and red hand-painted or cold-painted scalloped accents around the equator. Just below the balloon is a small, brown-colored basket with a cross-hatch texture mimicking wicker. This assembly is nestled into a white base sculpted into billowy cloud shapes with subtle light gray shading to provide depth. From its kitschy aesthetic and material, it appears to be a mid-century decorative piece, possibly a nursery lamp base or a standalone novelty figurine from the 1960s or 1970s. The condition shows visible surface wear, including some loss of the red paint on the balloon and minor dark scuff marks or kiln debris on the crown. The craftsmanship is typical of mass-produced novelty ceramics from manufacturers like Lefton or Enesco, focusing on charming subject matter and bright, saturated colors. No visible maker's marks are seen in this view, but they are often located on the unglazed bottom surface.