Michael Jackson owned white rhinestone glove, likely stage-worn, circa 1984. Regarded globally as the greatest entertainer in recorded history, Jackson commandeered several classic fashions for use in crafting his larger-than-life image, among them the black fedora, aviator sunglasses and sequined military jackets. Certainly no other item was used so inventively and exclusively by Jackson in his fashion statements however, and worn so proudly than the single white rhinestone glove, worn on his right hand. Of the glove's singularity, Jackson told Barbara Walters in a 1999 interview, ''Why one glove? Cooler than two.'' He also speaks about it in his autobiography ''Moonwalk.'' So integral to his image was the white glove, that he was referred to in the tabloids frequently as ''The Gloved One''.
Extensive provenance includes documentation from the man to whom Jackson gifted the glove in 1984, his personal artist Paul Bedard. Bedard was commissioned by Jackson to collaborate on the creation of over a dozen now readily recognizable original works of art for Jackson's home and his Neverland Ranch estate. Fittingly, one of the works of art depicts half a dozen famous characters -- George Washington, the Mona Lisa, Abraham Lincoln and even E.T. all following Jackson's lead, each donning the white glove and aviator shades. Included in the provenance are images of the art and photocopies of Jackson's handwritten notes to Bedard regarding the development of the commissioned pieces, juxtaposed with copies of snapshots of Jackson and the artist; one photo shows Bedard wearing the glove circa 1984 before delivering the finished painting to Michael. Accompanied by an original 2005 typed declaration signed by Bedard attesting to the authenticity of the glove and its ownership. Also accompanied by a copy of the check used to purchase the glove from Bedard and the glove's co-owner, Bedard's attorney Rummel Bautista; this check is also from 2005 when Bedard originally sold the glove. Finally, included in the lot is Bautista's business card.
Off-white cloth glove shows evidence of war, encrusted heavily with iridescent crystal beading and featuring a single snap closure. Custom-sewn glove bears no size labeling. Measures 9.25'' at its longest from cuff to fingertip and 4.25'' across the center. Some scattered stress to fabric between stones, wear to fingertips and minor separation to inner seams of pinky and thumb, with some chipping to white paint on snap, overall very good condition.