Gianduja (commedia dell'arte)
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Gianduja (Italian: [dʒanˈduːja]; Piedmontese: Giandoja [dʒaŋˈdʊja]) is one of the masks of the Italian commedia dell'arte, typically representing a kind, honest and jovial man from the Piedmontese countryside (and specifically, Turin).[1][2]
His name is said to derive from "Gioan d'la douja" or "John of the jug" in Piedmontese language, referring to his love of wine.[3][2] Alternative explanations suggest that it is derived from the French "Jean Andouille" (John Sausage).[2][4]
His wife is named Giacometta and their children are referred to as Giandujotti.[4][2] Originally conceived as a simple farmer, over time Gianduja has evolved into a gentleman with a taste for good wine and gastronomy.[2]
Gianduja was created as a glove puppet in Caglianetto d'Asti, Piedmont, in 1808.[4] The character then appeared as a marionette in Turin in 1843.[4]