Hand-Painted Wooden Vase or Pot, 5-In tall

This estate piece was 'found' in Seattle and it was hand-painted mid-century. It has an unusual statement on the bottom which you can see in the fifth photograph. I believe this was likely added to ensure it wasn't used for cooking or putting in a microwave, although that seems to go without saying when dealing with a hand made/hand painted wooden piece. I can't imagine someone thinking it was for anything but decorative use.

At the widest part it is almost as wide as it is tall (5 inches); the mouth or opening at the top is three inches across.

This clearly was made by an American artist and the design takes elements from a variety of cultures, but doesn't make any claim to be anything other than a whimsical collection of design influences that the artist chose to use. The painting is well done and the wood does not show any deterioration or faults

It's very inexpensive and simply what one would call mid-century folk art. I could see it used as a pot for a plant (if it were lined to preven moisture damage to the wood) or as a vase, again as long as it is sealed. I think simply putting water in a wood pot is guaranteed to cause problems even if not immediately. And it would look nice on a table or shelf, too.