16th century, Europe, historical figure, primary source, quotes, Spain, Spanish, stories
An account of a Spanish jester which suggests a relaxed relationship with the aristocrats around him. Here is Gabriel, possibly jester to Fadrique Enríquez II (c. 1465–1538), 4th Admiral of Castille, relaxedly playing chess with the Duke of Alba, and deciding how to...
9th century, China, Chinese, East Asia, historical figure, primary source, quotes, stories, Tang dynasty
Two common features of the jester come together in this anecdote: resilience and quick wittedness. The emperor’s idea of a joke, giving his jester a dunking underwater, is a bit schoolboy-bullyish, but the jester reacts so cheerily and cleverly that he wins...
10th century, China, Chinese, East Asia, historical figure, primary source, quotes, research, Song dynasty, Southern Tang, stories
The 10th century Chinese jester Li Jiaming 李家明 (Adding Clarity Li) needed some money to pay his mother’s funeral expenses. When the emperor had some time off from affairs of state, he sat in his Leisure Hall practising calligraphy. Adding Clarity ambled in and...
15th century, 16th century, England, English, Europe, historical figure, primary source, quotes
European court account books are a superb source of information on the existence of jesters and related entertainers, whether operating in a professional capacity or on an occasional basis. A number of examples show Henry VII of England (r. 1485-1509), commonly viewed...
15th century, East Asia, historical figure, India, Japan, primary source, quotes, stories
Jesters and jester types were regularly rewarded by the king or other head honcho for their services. In addition to accounts of such gifts and perks, there is a sub-set of stories showing the fool using some humorous wheeze to squeeze a bit extra from the royal...
14th century, Europe, France, French, historical figure, primary source, quotes
European court account books yield rich details concerning the kind of clothes provided to fools and jesters. They also provide insights into the apparently generous provision commonly made for them, raising serious doubts concerning the occasional notion that jesters...
