Venetian Mask

I have two of these lovely Venetian brass Carnival masks. Unfortunately, someone thought it a good idea to clean them in the dishwasher and much of the enamel inlay had been lost. What didn't fall off remains opaque but I still love them and it doesn't detract from their beauty.

Where Carnival is celebrated series of events kick off on Epiphany, 6th January, culminating in masquerades until Shrove Tuesday. The following day, Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent so all partying was frowned upon and had to stop.

There is no real explanation as to why the Venetian masks came into being but they have been known to exist since the 13th century. Traditionally they were made of leather, porcelain, gesso or glass.