Old fairground skill game (ball-toss) traditionally depicting a clown with an open mouth, into which wooden balls were thrown during fairs and village celebrations. The expressive head is in early 20th-century papier-mâché with natural craquelure, while the wooden structure was added later to allow the game to remain in use. A highly decorative piece, typical of early 20th-century fairground folk art.
✦ Provenance: France ✦ Period: Early 20th century ✦ Dimensions: 32 × 41 × 75 cm ✦ Condition: Early papier-mâché head with wear, craquelure and original patina. Later wooden structure (circa 1940-1960), stable and functional.
A striking decorative piece for a cabinet of curiosities, artist’s studio, themed restaurant, or folk art collection.
