A finely modeled and polychrome painted earthenware figure of an owl perched atop a stack of books, originally designed ca. 1901–02 for the renowned Wiener Manufaktur Friedrich Goldscheider. The sculpture exhibits Gornik’s characteristic blend of naturalistic feather modeling and stylized Art Nouveau contours, with warm earth-toned coloration and beautifully rendered surface details. Marked on the reverse “FABRIQUE EN AUTRICHE”, with impressed production numbers 2364 / 86 and additional painter’s or decorator’s marks; signed Gornik in the mold on the top book. A classic early-20th-century Goldscheider design with substantial presence and sculptural charm.Dimensions: 15 x 19 x 19 in. high.Pickup & Shipping: Free pickup in Sacramento. Shipping via FedEx within the continental U.S. for $265 + 1.5% insurance (unless waived in writing). Combined lot shipping available. Condition: Good overall. Polychrome surfaces with expected age-related wear, small areas of rubbing to high points, and scattered minor flakes consistent with handling. Some typical old repairs and small touch-ups to extremities and edges of the books. Underside shows open cavity from manufacture and later lamp wiring aperture.