Commedia dell'Arte, a weird jolly bunch! Ceramic Ornament

This is a weird representation - almost... Picasso style - of the main characters of the "Commedia dell'Arte"; an early form of professional theatre, originating from Italy, which, on time became very popular in Europe from the 16th through the 18th century. It's chraacterised by masked types and improvised performances. Commedia dell'Arte is very much a light, almost foolish form of pantomime where certain prototypes of society are represented in the cast. Characters such as foolish old men, devious servants and military officers full of false bravado are all part of the mix.