This ceramic figurine depicts St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and ecology, surrounded by birds. It appears to be a decorative piece from the mid-20th century, likely manufactured in Japan during the post-WWII period when religious figurines were popular export items. Such St. Francis figurines are particularly appealing to collectors of religious memorabilia and vintage ceramic decorative items. Catholic devotees and those with an interest in saint-themed collectibles value these pieces for their charming depiction of the beloved saint's connection to nature and animals, making them popular in both religious and decorative contexts. Two of the birds have broken wings