Carved Little Wooden Owl Toggle (Natsuke?) Hayes lithography co whose collection included mid-century art

whose collection included mid-century art

Each claw measures 2 3/4" tall x 2 3/4" wide x 3 5/8" deep

as it is in excellent condition

though have not been able to trace it

Tall and with graceful

Carved Little Wooden Owl Toggle (Natsuke?) Hayes lithography co whose collection included mid-century artSuch 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