Jester (Jolly/Joker)

The Joker or Jolly Venetian Masks depict the role of the Jester in the Italian Middle Ages.  The facial features of the Joker masks are male, with the Jolly being the female equivalent.  The Jesters (Joker or Jolly) wore brightly colored clothing in a motley pattern and they were known for their incessant laughter.

These masks are wonderful examples of ancient Italian art - they make a stunning statement.  Each one is individually hand made by craftspeople in Venice.  Each one is individually made and no two are identical.

Some of the names of the masks indicate design themes, such as "Reale" or "Bavero" indicating that the "punte" or "points" of the mask are featured above as well as below the face.   "Musica" indicates the use of a music score in the mask "punte" or "points".  

Click here for a full history on Venetian Masks.

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