baby alligator kitchen sponge holder, vintage Japan painted ceramic gator

Large ceramic 'baby' gator, 8 1/2" long. It's made in Japan, mid-century vintage. We're guessing it was made as a kitchen sponge holder? We think it would be great to hold a smaller cell phone (you won't get an iphone in his mouth).

This has a little discoloration at the bottom (at the edges and crazing lines as shown in the photo). But it's clean overall, and so cute!