A vintage handmade and hand painted cockerel-shaped vase or pot, by Rye Pottery, Sussex. This is dated to 1957-1969 and by either John or Walter Cole. The old red clay was dug up by the Coles locally so this dates it to an earlier 1950s version of the design. Moulded clay and glazed white, the chicken's stylised open tail forms a vase. It has been carefully hand painted with black spots and lines with red and yellow finer details to the face.
Rye Pottery was John Cole and Walter Cole. Walter (Wally) was responsible for creating the ceramics and running the pottery while John made the designs and created the patterns and decorations. As their work became increasingly popular, the Coles began to employ and train other staff - throwers David Sharp, Dennis Townsend, Raymond Everett, David Smeed and Jim Elliott who were later joined by Pam Goddard and June Woolley.
Very good condition, as manufactured/hand made with natural glazing quirks/tiny bubbles. No chips or crazing. A good sized 17cm long x  15.5cm tall x 9cm widest. The 'vase' is about 8.5 x 8cm wide rim x 11cm deep - though it's more a rare sculpture for display. Perfect for a collector. 
I so also have another from a later manufacture date, not quite as carefully painted.
Free Tracked 24 Royal Mail post within the UK.