This is a rare Marumon Ware figurine dish of a mother polar bear and cub. Polar bears are symbols of strength, resilience, and adaptability. The figurine is hand-painted and produced in Japan sometime between 1921 and 1941, during the Noritake Art Deco Era. This figurine focuses on simple, elegant forms and a realistic depiction of the polar bears. This may have originally been intended for use as a unique ashtray, though there aren't any signs of it having been used as such. This piece is in excellent condition without any stains, marks, cracks or chips.