1960s table lamp Pierrot figurine in Porcelain Ceramics by Nove di Bassano Origins of Pierrot Pierrot is a mask born in Italy in the late sixteenth century The name Pierrot is a French that derives from the Italian character of the commedia dell'arte, one of the first Zanni, Pedrolino, played in the famous Compagnia dei Gelosi by Giovanni Pellesini at the end of the sixteenth century. The character was brought to France, where he became part of the repertoires of the French companies with the name of Pierrot thanks to the contribution of Giuseppe Geratoni who first introduced him in 1673; but the first great Pierrot was still an Italian, Fabio Antonio Sticotti (1676-1741). Later the character was perfected by his son Antonio-Jean Sticotti (1715? -1772) who also exported it to Germany. The Sticotti reinvented and gave new life to this character adapting it to the taste of the French and then of the public of the European courts. In the French version Pierrot lost the characteristics of cunning and duplicity typical of Zanni to become the melancholy mime in love with the moon, the one who appears with the name of Gilles in the famous painting by Antoine Watteau. The mime Jean-Gaspard Debureau (1796-1846), represented the 19th century Pierrot from 1826 at the Théâtre des Funambules. Debureau's life inspired the French film director Marcel Carné as the character of Baptiste in the film Les enfants du Paradis. Debureau defined the characteristics that later defined the iconography: a large white dress with black buttons and a small black hat on the white painted face. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no official proof of authenticity, however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity issues arising from misattribution, European Plug (up to 250V).The wiring of this item may be original and might need replacement, if not specified otherwise.