It looks to me like American stoneware from the Ohio area made in the maybe, 1920's to 1930's.
I suspect it's a rare piece....so you may have to dig deep.
Do google searches on usa stoneware and USA pottery and american pottery and on m-c pottery and stoneware....etc etc.
Don';t use the word "ceramics"....as that usually means a soft pottery and that looks like stoneware by how rough the bottom looks.
Then start on the OWL umbrella stand track and branch out into owl vase.
Good luck...it's molded and has a mark so you know there were more like it.
Linda C

Thanks for the reply, Linda. I appreciate the help and some general (possible) information on the piece. Thanks for the tip that it's not a ceramic piece; I think I've been focusing on that word because I really don't know any better. LOL

I've tried searching for owl umbrella stand and owl vase with no luck. (I think the previous owner was using it as a vase, actually, since there was some dirt inside!)

It's in really good shape other than crazing and flea bites (maybe 2 at the most). I fell in love with the piece the moment I saw it at the thrift store and couldn't believe no one snatched it up before I did! Though I get the impression that I'm alone in my opinion of it's beauty based on the reactions of people who have seen it. :-)

Thanks again for taking the time to provide some other means to hopefully find out something about it.