Jun Asilo Reclining Clown
Part of The Personal Collection
This curiosity is part of the personal collection and is not available to purchase. Some objects are part of the personal collection and shown here simply because of their history, character or personal significance, and this is one of them.
The item remains here as part of the Seb's Curiosities archive, allowing you to explore its story and history even though it is not for sale.
Type: Clowns
Era: 1990s
Condition: Needs TLC (See Description & Photographs)
About This Curiosity
Jun Asilo Reclining Clown - A Future Restoration Project
This cheerful fellow has certainly seen better days! The reclining Jun Asilo clown is showing signs of wear and tear, with areas that will need some care and attention. However, he remains a characterful example of Jun Asilo's collectible clown sculptures, and he will be staying in Sebastian's personal collection while he awaits the restoration he deserves.
One detail worth noting is the artist's signature on the suitcase. Signatures are an interesting feature for collectors of Jun Asilo figures, helping to identify and appreciate these distinctive sculptures.
For now, he can rest easy in the collection. One day, with a little patience and the right restoration, I hope to see him looking much closer to his former self.
Sebastian's Curiosity
I can't help wondering about this fellow's journey. These clowns eppear to have originated in the Philippines, how did he eventually find his way to Britain? Was he originally bought as a prized ornamental sculpture, given as a special gift or chosen by someone who simply fell in love with his cheerful character?
And what happened along the way? Perhaps he spent decades carefully displayed in someone's home, admired by visitors and becoming part of the family surroundings. Or perhaps, at some point, he was moved outdoors and spent time in a garden, exposed to the elements that may have contributed to his present condition. That's only speculation, of course, but it's fascinating to imagine the different lives an object can lead before it finds its way into a collection like this one.
For now, he has a place in Sebastian's collection and a restoration to look forward to. Whilst he will receive some tender loving care to his more serious issues, he won't undergoo a full restoration as we wouldn't want to remove the story that has made him what he is. Until then, he remains a reminder that even a well-worn collectible can have plenty of character left in it - and a story we may never fully know.
The History Behind This Curiosity
A Little History: Jun Asilo Clown Sculptures
Jun Asilo clown sculptures have developed a following among collectors who appreciate the characterful, hand-painted decorative figures. Made in the Philippines, these sculptures are particularly recognisable for their colourful costumes, expressive faces, distinctive hairstyles and playful poses. Rather than being simple, mass-produced ornaments, they have a personality that makes each example interesting in its own right.
Many vintage examples encountered by collectors date from the 1990s and are made from resin or similar composite materials. The designs vary considerably, with clowns seated on benches, playing musical instruments, performing tricks or relaxing in amusing poses. Their clothing, expressions and little accessories all help give each figure its own identity.
Part of the appeal is that no two designs need to be quite alike. Collectors may find themselves drawn to a particular pose, an unusual costume or the expression on a clown's face. Some prefer figures in excellent condition, while others are interested in examples that need restoration and offer the opportunity to bring a neglected sculpture back to life.
Signatures are another detail worth looking for. Jun Asilo's name appears on many examples, sometimes accompanied by a date. The signature can be found in different places on the sculptures, so it is worth examining the base, clothing and accessories carefully. On this reclining clown, the signature is on the suitcase, a small but interesting detail that connects the figure to its maker.
For anyone interested in collecting Jun Asilo clowns, each sculpture is worth considering individually. The pose, condition, signature, paintwork and overall character all contribute to its appeal. Whether you're searching for a particular design or discovering these unusual figures for the first time, there's always something new to notice.