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"Butterfly Geisha" Art Deco Ceramic Mask
$550
£419.22
€483.53
CA$781.16
A$839.44
CHF 450.41
MX$9,888.13
NOK 5,663.41
SEK 5,173.49
DKK 3,613.68
About the Item
This Art Deco ceramic mask, titled "Butterfly Geisha," depicts the serene face of a woman, framed by black, stylized hair and adorned with delicately sculpted butterflies. The mask blends smooth, hand-painted features—arched brows, almond-shaped eyes, and vivid red lips—with the textured presence of butterflies in hues of yellow, pink, blue, and bronze, gently alighting across her face and hair.
The piece balances elegance and fantasy: the poised expression of the geisha evokes traditional ideals of beauty, while the butterflies suggest transformation, fragility, and fleeting grace. Its dimensional modeling and vibrant glaze give it both sculptural depth and decorative allure.
Context and Legacy
Ceramic masks became popular decorative objects in the Art Deco and postwar periods, particularly in Europe and the United States, where they combined exoticized themes with modern design sensibilities. This mask’s imagery of a geisha adorned with butterflies reflects the period’s fascination with Japonisme and cross-cultural motifs, as well as the Art Deco emphasis on stylization and ornament.
Collector’s Note
The mask’s bold colors, hand-applied glaze, and unique butterfly embellishments make it a rare find for collectors of Art Deco ceramics, Asian-inspired decorative arts, or theatrical wall masks. Minor imperfections in glazing are consistent with age and add to the authenticity and charm of the piece.
- Dimensions:Height: 13 in (33.02 cm)Width: 11 in (27.94 cm)Depth: 4.5 in (11.43 cm)
- Style:Folk Art (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Pasadena, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU825846872532
About the Seller
4.8
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Every seller passes strict standards for authenticity and reliability
Established in 2000
1stDibs seller since 2006
522 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: Several days
Associations
20th Century Specialists
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Pasadena, CA
- Return Policy
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