This musical sculpture features a whimsical jester silhouette and a mixed-media texture of porcelain and metallic fabric, offering a playful aesthetic for playroom displays.
A vibrant artifact of the 1980s "designer doll" movement, this musical bust of Arthur the Jester showcases the flamboyant artistry of Bette Ball for Victoria Ashlea. The piece is a sensory delight, from the cool, hand-painted porcelain of Arthur's face to the brilliant teal of his tight curls and the shimmering metallic silver of his peaked hat. When wound, the internal mechanism plays a crisp rendition of the classic "Music Box Dancer," perfectly complementing the theatrical, multi-color striped ruff and the jingling gold-tone bells that adorn his costume.
The substantial 10-inch height and the stark contrast of the black pedestal base give Arthur a significant presence, making him an ideal statement piece for a maximalist shelf or a creative studio. This collectible represents the height of the mid-to-late century fascination with Pierrot and Harlequin motifs, updated with the bold, saturated colors and synthetic fibers of the era. Whether utilized as a nostalgic nursery accent or kept as a representative example of Bette Ball's iconic jester series, this music box is a resilient and joyous testament to theatrical vintage whimsy.
This item is vintage, over 35 years old. All measurements are close but approximate. I measure in quarter inches.
Origin: Taiwan (Based on typical Victoria Ashlea production)
Era: 1980s
Material: Porcelain, Metallic Fabric, Wood/Composite Base
Dimensions: 10" H
Condition: Very Good (Fully functional)
Special Feature: Plays "Music Box Dancer"
Note: Authentic Bette Ball design