$3,200
Kolma (Michael Bornstein). Kolma's Chinese mask, robe, costume and accessories. Comprised of an eerie and lifelike papier mâché mask handmade by Jeanne Verner for Mike Bornstein's Chinese act. Verner, Dai Vernon's wife, was an accomplished artist, as the detail of this mask — one of two surviving examples of her work of this kind known — shows. Verner created lifelike masks of Cardini, Sam Margules, and other New York personalities. Each mask was crafted of a surprisingly sturdy papier mâché composition, and finished with realistic features, including vibrant skin tones and, in the case of this example, real whiskers and facial hair. The Kolma mask is packed in its original padded wooden case, likely one of the reasons it has survived the decades since its creation in fine condition. Donning the mask and accompanying full-length robe, pants, tasseled hat and slippers transformed Bornstein into his performing persona, the Chinese magician Kolma. The full-length robe is decorated with numerous embroidered patterns and sequins. The satin pants have been outfitted with a metal hook, presumably used to secure a secret parcel of items to be produced during the act. Ca. 1942. Components of the costume show wear from professional use; mask in fine condition.
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2010-10-23
