Potter & Potter Auctions
Live Auction

Sleight of Hand - The Jeff Busby Collection

Sat, Aug 19, 2017 11:00AM EDT - Sun, Aug 20, 2017 11:00AM EDT
Lot 68

Danny Dew's Chinese Mask and Costume.

Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$30 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $200
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
Verner, Jeanne. Danny Dew's Chinese Mask and Costume. New York, 1940s. Lifelike papier mache mask handmade by Jeanne Verner, Dai Vernon's wife. Accompanied by a radiant aqua robe decorated with thousands of sequins in a gold, pink, and silver floral, its sleeves lined with white silk. A matching Chinese hat accompanies the costume and mask. A label affixed inside the mask bears the signature of the artist. An accomplished artist, Verner created lifelike masks of Cardini, Sam Margules, and her husband, among others. Only a few have survived. Each mask was first sculpted in clay, then set in papier mache. Her designs were based on measurements of the head of the buyer, making each mask form fitting. The robes used to complete the ensemble were typically purchased from theatrical supply houses in Manhattan.

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