Occupied Japan Ceramic Duck Wall Pocket Planter 1940s

A charming wall pocket vase featuring a shyly regal duck against a stone farm wall.

Wall pockets or wall vases, popularized in America during the early years of the 20th century, were used to hold cut flowers or stems of ivy for rooting.  After the Second World War, the United States occupied Japan from September 1945 through April 1952.  The Japanese ceramic industry and economy was revitalized during this time with aid from the U.S. when manufacturers began producing items for sale to the occupying American soldiers.  As a result, an active export business was born and thousands of inexpensive, specially-marked decorative Japanese ceramics found their way into American homes through the early 1950s.

Ducks were all the decorating rage in the middle of the 20th century, popular as planters, vases, wall hangings and wall pockets (especially when in flight!), salt and pepper shakers, and tabletop figurines. 

This lovely mid-century example is perfect for adding a touch of the natural world to any room in the house.