1953 Original JEAN COCTEAU Paper Mache UNICORN / LICORNE Mask BALLET RUSSE

Description: Shipping | POLICIES AND INFORMATION 1953 Original JEAN COCTEAU Paper Mache UNICORN / LICORNE Mask BALLET RUSSE Please scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page to see all of the large photos in this listing. Ebay only allows a limited number of photos in the top photo gallery, but many more are included below. Please click on the pics for a supersize image. If you are viewing this listing on a mobile device, you will only see a limited number of pics, unless you click on the "Description" link to see the additional photos. ******************* From the exceptional ballet collection of George Verdak. Very RARE original vintage mask designed by French artist Jean Cocteau for the ballet "La Dame et la Licorne" (The Woman and the Unicorn) which premiered in Munich, Germany May 17, 1953, at the Bavarian State Opera House. The libretto was conceived and designed by Cocteau, who traveled to Munich to personally prepare the work and its costumes for its world premiere. This mask is one of several designed and made by Cocteau for the production, and the first that I have seen on the market. It is hand painted paper mache, with the original attached yarn for the unicorn's mane. *** In 2011, 2 masks from the ballet were on display at the "Centre National du Costume de Scene" (CNCS National Centre for Stage Costumes ) in Moulins, France, during the exhibition entitled "Les Insolites" (The Unusual). see photo #11 *** In 2018, "Musee de Cluny" included one of the masks in an exhibition entitled "Magiques Licornes" (Magical Unicorns.) see photo #12 *** I have also shown 6 additional images of the unicorn masks worn in the opera. The final two images showing Jean Cocteau, himself, with masked dancers. These, along with several others can be seen in the Library of Congress collection, and on Getty Images. This mask has a label inside, identifying it as number 7 of those made. Also included in this listing is an original vintage Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo season program, with multiple images from this ballet, both on the cover and interior. (see photo numbers 13,14, and 15) Condition details: As one would expect, this mask was well-used during it's stage life. It is being sold just as-found, with no permanent repairs, and no overpaint. The yarn is fragile. The unicorn's horn is intact, but damaged in two spots, and in desperate need of conservation and attention. I will leave that to the experts. (I have wrapped the damaged areas in clear plastic to prevent further damage, but this can be easily removed when conservation is to begin. Face and ears are in remarkably sound condition, as are the elastic headbands. Authenticity is absolutely guaranteed. This description of the 1953 ballet appeared in the April 1957 issue of Dance Magazine ahead of the work's New York premiere: "Coctaeu has created an enigmatic libretto in which a noble maiden has a lovely white unicorn which eats only from her hand. But after the Knight comes, and an amorous pas de deux ensues between the two aristocrats, the Unicorn will no longer eat and dies. The Knight, who has left, now returns, but the Lady is no longer interested in him. As the curtain falls, she is on stage alone, with neither Knight nor Unicorn, pointing to a banner on which is inscribed 'Mon seul desir' (My only desire)." Shipping & Handling Back to Top US Shipping$125.00 Insured US Shipping International ShippingPlease check eBay's Shipping & Payment tab USPS Priority Mail International POLICIES AND INFORMATION COMBINED SHIPPING Back to Top SAVE ON SHIPPING! I am happy to ship multiple items together for discounted shipping. To take advantage of shipping discounts, items must be paid WITH ONE PAYMENT TRANSACTION. If you are purchasing multiple items, and ebay's invoice does not automatically calculate the correct discounted shipping charge, then PLEASE request a combined shipping invoice with all your purchases listed BEFORE making payment. BOOKS & LARGE ITEMS Back to Top Some unusually large or heavy items require their own shipping box, and do not qualify for combined shipping. Also, in most cases, books will be shipped via Media Mail, and cannot be shipped with glass or pottery items. FAST SHIPPING Back to Top As you can see by my feedback, I am known for extremely fast packaging and shipping. Normally, paid items are shipped the next business day. I understand that buyers are sometimes anxious for receipt of their purchases, but during unusually busy periods, please allow up to two business days for shipping. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Back to Top All items are from a smoke-free home. I take extra care in packing, and you will never find inked newspaper touching your new treasures. International Buyers Please Note: Back to Top Please do not ask me to falsify customs documents. Import duties, taxes and charges, if any, are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs might be prior to bidding/buying. FREE scheduling, supersized images and templates. Get Vendio Sales Manager.Make your listings stand out with FREE Vendio custom templates! FREE scheduling, supersized images and templates. Get Vendio Sales Manager. Over 100,000,000 served. Get FREE counters from Vendio today!

Price: 14000 USD

Location: Saint Petersburg, Florida

End Time: 2024-09-04T13:17:19.000Z

Shipping Cost: 125 USD