A striking mid century Italian ceramic bookend in the form of a cardinal holding stacked books, finished in a rich red glaze with black and cream accents. The figure is rendered with an expressive, elongated form and a distinctly hand-worked quality characteristic of Tuscan workshop ceramics. The underside retains an incised mark along with a handwritten interior label that appears to read “64, ” supporting a 1964 date of production. The marking style corresponds with another example from the same workshop. Designed as a functional bookend, the piece also works beautifully as a standalone sculptural object. Its strong presence and saturated glaze make it particularly effective for shelf or desk styling. A companion figure in a related form is available separately. Height 9 inches Width approximately 6 inches. Condition consistent with age, including minor surface wear and small glaze losses.