"Butterfly Geisha" Art Deco Ceramic Mask

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.

REFERENCE NUMBER: LU825846872532
PERIOD: Late 20th Century
CONDITION: Good
MEASUREMENTS: Height: 13" Width: 11" Depth: 4.5"
COUNT: 1
MATERIAL: Ceramic, Paint, Hand-Painted
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Japan