Vintage/Antique White Glazed Terra Cotta MASKED BALL MASQUERADE HEAD BUST Handmade ITALY

Size 12\" high x 9.5\" wide at widest, depth approx. 7\"

MAGNIFICENT one of a kind piece- incredibly rare Estate Sale find.

Traditional Italian hand formed terra cotta with a white glaze and gold gilding on the mask. The features of this gentleman are meticulously hand formed and INCREDIBLY realistic and dimensional- he is laughing and looks as if he could speak. His hair strands are hand formed as are his costume. A magnificent piece of pottery art.

An extremely realistic portrayal of a masked party-goer at a masquerade ball, of which is tradition in Italy [especially Venice]

Glaze is glossy and shiny, beautiful

This piece was at one time adapted for use as a lamp, which is difficult to notice. He has a small round opening at the top of his cap and an even smaller round opening at the back, along the bottom edge.

Hand marked on underside in gold gilt LF 11 Italy and there is a faint green Made In Italy stamp

Circa approx. 1900 or possibly before

Very good condition - has only one small chip off of the entire piece, and it is located amongst the curves of his top hairline so it\'s quite hard to notice. See photos 21, 22, and 23 and use zoom. Some minor SMALL surface flakes off the glaze here and there mainly at edges and on nose tip- no color change beneath so they are quite minor. They do not extend down into the terra cotta. One small line through glaze at top of cap, see last pic. Some wear to gold gilding on mask. Normal for age. No other nicks, chips, cracks, scratches, crazing, fading or repair.

A very captivating piece- looks great from any angle and is incredibly interesting

The skill and craftsmanship level are off the charts on this piece- Gallery quality

Great for a collector and will look lovely on display-Very charming.

Would make a very special gift.

Ships fully insured & w tracking provided

As always, my items are packed with EXTRA bubble wrap and extreme care to insure a safe arrival.

Please check my other listings for more FABULOUS VINTAGE collectibles, glass, china, tea sets and cups, and unique treasures. I add several new listings per week.

Please note the following, dear fellow shopping enthusiasts:

I strive to give you the best service possible. I am not a dealer or professional, just a lifelong collector and enthusiast. I only list items that I think are unique and of good quality. I represent my items as accurately and clearly as I can, and believe it is always better for you to have too much information than not enough! Please ask any questions before offerding, I will happily respond.

Remember, these are vintage items and will have reasonable signs of age and wear which only adds to their personality, appeal and \"funky vintage-ness\". They are not in their original boxes unless noted. I do not excessively clean items or remove age patina, as I want to leave that option for the buyer.

I will promptly ship your item within 1 business day and post great positive response for you once payment is received.

Go Green! I try to re-use clean, almost-new shipping boxes when possible.

I will gladly combine shipping on multiple items for you.

Thank you for looking

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