This is a Pierrot doll, a type of collectible porcelain doll that depicts the French pantomime character Pierrot, or "the sad clown". Key Features and Information Character Origin: The character of Pierrot originated from the Italian commedia dell'arte, where his name was Pedrolino, a naive and loyal servant. He evolved into the iconic unmasked, whitened-face character in French pantomime. Appearance: The doll's features, such as the pale face, single painted tear, ruff collar, and loose white clothing, are characteristic of the Pierrot character.
The clothing often includes large buttons down the front. Symbolism: The painted tear is a famous symbol of his unrequited love for Columbine, who typically leaves him for Harlequin. The tear symbolizes his heartbreak.
Collectibility: Pierrot dolls have been a popular decorative and collectible item for decades, with many variations produced by different companies.