Magic Collection of Jim Rawlins Part IV

Verner, Jeanne. Danny Dew’s Chinese Mask and Costume. New York, 1940s. Lifelike papier mâché mask handmade by Jeanne Verner, Dai Vernon’s wife. Accompanied by an 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 mâché. 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.