The ability to infuse an object with life elevates it from the ordinary into art. This delightful vessel resembles a raccoon with the dark band across the eyes. It is perched on its hind legs in a position raccoons adopt when they are feeding, or in this case cleaning it. The Costa Rican ceramic artists are noted for their realism, which must have come from a very careful study of animals. The body of the raccoon is plump, while the feet are small by comparison. The clever spout could also act as a tail, though positioned quite high. A vessel such as this seems most likely to have been made for household use; as part of a wealthy family's home where its whimsy and charm would have been appreciated. It would not only have served a useful purpose as a container, it would also have made an excellent model for children to learn about the animals that inhabited their land.