Topic: Help on 2nd piece.. stoneware?? open mouthed bird jar...

[notapotterycollector]

This is the second piece I couldnt leave in the shop...

I've had a few suggestions as to what he might be used for. I've had incense burner and string holder... Im not 100% sure what he's made of. His painted body is quite lovely and he's very unusual (I thought). I was thinking maybe South American because of the style of painting? But I'm usually quite wrong with my guesses...

I'll let the pics do the talking..

[notapotterycollector]

Wanted to show the painting close up....

[Potterycat]

May be it is for sugar? It can?t be for mustard or something else, because the birds mouth is open and will dry up inside.

[Anne]

Hmmmm no idea what he's for... does the top latch into place or is it a loose lift off one?

What size is he?

[notapotterycollector]

The top lifts off, it doesnt latch on or screw closed or anything. Hes about 16cm high x 14cm wide. The height is just to the top of his head, not including his beak

[Anne]

At that sort of size I'd be thinking a string dispenser too... although a search on Google brings up lots of animal string dispensers, there doesn't appear to be one like yours... more hunting needed!

[notapotterycollector]

There are two indentations.. notches, in the lid.. would that indicate something? I haven't seen a string dispenser. Also though it wouldnt be a fat ball of string because the top is narrower than the belly..