Mid-Century Studio Pottery Owl Figurine

This item is a stylized studio pottery figurine of an owl, likely originating from the mid-20th century. It is crafted from a heavy, coarse-grained stoneware clay body with a distinct speckled 'peppered' appearance. The primary color is a warm, earthy terracotta or ochre hue, with dark mineral inclusions distributed throughout the clay. The owl features a rounded, bulbous body with two sharp, upright ear tufts integrated into the form. The face is characterized by recessed eye sockets containing small, circular pupils with a light-colored, possibly salt-glazed or ash-glazed ring. A prominent, dark brown glazed beak protrudes from the center, providing a textural contrast to the matte, unglazed finish of the body. The craftsmanship reflects the brutalist or organic modern aesthetic popular in European and American studio pottery of the 1960s. Condition appears to be excellent with no visible cracks or significant chips, though there is minor surface wear consistent with age and typical kiln variations. The piece lacks visible signatures in this view, but its weight and texture suggest a hand-built or wheel-thrown and modified origin.