Mechanical Japanese Clown with Cymbals turned wood reamer a facility for developmentally disabled

a facility for developmentally disabled adults

Forward and Aft

Image size: 4" x 6"

which included a wonderful collection of mid-century art and design

Kelly received his first commission

Mechanical Japanese Clown with Cymbals turned wood reamer a facility for developmentally disabledThis clown seems to be a pure embodiment of happiness, from its hand painted red cheeked smiling face to its polka dotted outfit, to its little wooden legs, one missing a foot. But best of all, squeeze his belly and his arms come forward, almost, but not quite, to clap those cymbals together! Definitely made in Japan (he bears a very close resemblance to a few Japanese hand puppets I've had in stock), I believe this clown dates to the 1940s or so.