Britains' Painted Lead Circus Ringmaster! advertising sign used in tea ceremony

used in tea ceremony

and there is certainly wear to the tunic though it remains pretty well intact--I rather love it more for the wear

each with a little carved ball inside

and I just love how completely straight-forward and perfectly resolved it is

Britains' Painted Lead Circus Ringmaster! advertising sign used in tea ceremonyI am completely taken with this little ringmaster (look at those pink cheeks!), whose right arm moves up and down to raise or lower his crop. Part of the English company Britains' "Mammoth Circus" set, he once would have commanded a whole fleet go animals and performers (prancing horses, stiltwalkers, balancing ballerinas, etc), but I think I like him best just on his own, perhaps to keep nearby for one needs a little motivation to get going! I