Carved Little Wooden Owl Toggle (Natsuke?) very old flask as all I found were

as all I found were As

This hand thrown stoneware/earthenware planter fits the bill--the perfect mix of rustic and refined

images of animals

with copper and pink surface decoration on its interior over a reactive creamy glaze

While featuring a central horizontal band that continues around the entire perimeter of the vessel

Carved Little Wooden Owl Toggle (Natsuke?) very old flask as all I found wereSuch a sweet and curious little owl! The little branch on which it stands is hollow inside, which makes me think it might be a Japanese Natsuke (an ornamental togglelike piece used to attach a box, pipe, or pouch to the obi sash of a kimono), which, though most commonly carved of ivory, are also found carved of wood. It certainly seems it was created to serve a toggle like function, but now, if balanced right, it will stand up in its own. It feels as