Oh me, oh my, did I ever land a colorful dandy! Considering that I've revered clowns since I was a little lad, this one was an Ebay no-brainer.
I'm uncertain of the manufacturer, but from what I can gather, the featured mask was produced in the U.S. during the 1970s and is hand-painted, with a few chipped flecks standing as proof. There's even a smidgeon of inner brow-glue that I presume once kept the mask snug on the wearer's face. (Actually, I find these aged "flaws" endearing, and isn't that moist tongue just amazing?)
I realize the design might strike some as creepy (those inclined to mistake all clowns for Pennywise), but try as I may, I just can't see it that way. To me, the piece recalls my favorite, televised, greasepaint characters, like Bozo, Clarabell, Philly's friendly, fan favorite, Happy and heck, even Cesar Romero's devilish but just-kiddin' Prince of Crime. In addition, the design invokes those poor, battered buffoons of Lon Chaney Sr., who were inclined to hide their pain behind bright eyes and stretched smirks.
Well, this vintage work of art is now mine oh mine, and I'm jolly as jolly can be to cherish it.
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