Unknown Italian maker, 31 cm

Is there anything like a contest prize? I’d certainly like to enter a competition where someone was handing out gifts like this! This bright and sunny Italian piece was presented somewhere in Germany on March 15, 1958 by the Milliners’ Guild (Putzmacher-Innung) to what I assume was a very talented and happy hatmaker, as “Sieg Kreis” translates to “Winner’s Circle.” Considering all of the excellent pottery being produced in Germany in the late 50s, it seems remarkable the contest organizers would chose a prize made in Italy. Perhaps the exotic nature of the vase made it special? Regardless of the reason, it doesn’t answer the REALLY big question: What was the winning hat?