Vintage Iridescent Ceramic Great Horned Owl Planter/Vase

This item is a decorative vintage ceramic vessel modeled in the form of a Great Horned Owl perched upon a rocky outcrop. The piece is approximately 5 to 7 inches in height and is constructed from light-bodied ceramic with a high-gloss iridescent or nacreous glaze. This luster finish creates a rainbow-like play of light over the cream-colored base. The design features detailed relief work simulating plumage, with distinct ear tufts, large concentric eyes, and a sharp beak. The wings and base show hints of a yellowish-gold tint through the glaze, adding depth to the monochromatic palette. The top of the owl's head is open, indicating its function as a small bud vase or toothpick holder. From a condition perspective, the piece appears well-preserved with no visible cracks or major chips, though inherent manufacturing imperfections like glaze pops or minor kiln debris are common for this style of mid-20th-century novelty pottery. The craftsmanship is typical of 1950s-1970s mass-produced giftware, often associated with Japanese exports or American companies like Hull or McCoy, though no specific maker's mark is visible on the bottom in this view. The overall style reflects the kitsch 'mod' aesthetic of the mid-century era, prized for its whimsical representation of nature.