A super one-off sculpture by Walter Vivian Cole (Wally) from Rye Pottery, Sussex. Signed with his initials to the base...
Wheel thrown bowl with a swan's head carved, twisting and resting over his back. The pottery/clay is a heavy rough stoneware type. Much of the bowl has been left natural taupe colour, with hand-painted glossy white head and wings and brown painted edging. Circa 1950s-1960s mid century, probably made at Rye Pottery but as an independent potter/artist and for himself under his name. 
This sculptural piece was featured in an exhibition at Ditchling Museum, celebrating 20th century Sussex Pottery in 2003. It was exhibition piece no 157. Ditchling Museum is currently shut so I've not been able to get further information about the catalogue entry.
Rye Pottery was John Cole and Walter Cole. 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 and as intended. No chips. A good sized 17cm long x  10cm tall x 16cm wide. It's more a rare sculpture for display and for a collection than a functional bowl. 
Free Tracked 24 Royal Mail post within the UK.