Vintage Ceramic Tiger Planter, Mid 20th Century, Hand-Painted, Mustard Yellow & Grey, No Chips or Cracks

A delightful and characterful vintage ceramic tiger planter, dating to around the 1940s–50s. Modelled as a standing tiger in a bold, slightly naive style, with an open rectangular planter set on its back in the form of a strapped saddle pack — glazed in a rich mustard yellow with dark grid-line detailing and a teal blue strap. The tiger itself is finished in a matte sandy grey-brown glaze, with hand-painted facial features: watchful eyes with black lash detail, a broad muzzle with painted whiskers, and a pleasingly characterful expression somewhere between fierce and endearing.

The modelling is appealingly bold and unfussy — the kind of decorative ceramic that sits between folk art and commercial production. The four legs are sturdy and well-formed, the paws clearly defined, and the overall proportions give it a solid, confident presence. The interior of the planter is glazed in the same mustard yellow and shows the hollow construction through to the body — drainage holes are visible, confirming it was made for use as a planter.

The piece shows light surface wear, some minor paint loss to the muzzle and paws, and general age-related marks consistent with its years. Importantly, there are no cracks or chips — structurally completely sound.

A genuinely appealing piece of mid-century decorative ceramics that would work as a planter, a pen or brush holder, or purely as a display object.

Dimensions: Approximately 14cm high × 18cm across × 6cm deep (planter opening)

Condition: No cracks or chips. Light surface wear and minor paint loss as described. Structurally sound.