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A screen-matched stop-motion model miniature set created by the Chiodo Brothers for a couch gag from The Simpsons. Known as the "Nothing But Clay" couch gag, the Simpsons rolled into frame as clay balls, were joined by a fellow green ball, and formed into the seated family accompanied by Gumby. The gag first appeared in the opening credits of the fan-favorite Season 17 episode "The Girl Who Slept Too Little," and later appeared in two other episodes. Specific points of hand-alteration on Marge Simpson's (Julie Kavner) hair, as well as the angle of the sailboat hanging on the Simpsons' wall, screen-match to "The Girl Who Slept Too Little."
The Chiodo Brothers, best known for their film Killer Klowns from Outer Space, made five clay animation sequences for the Simpsons, including the Gumby couch gag. This model miniature set originated from the Chiodos.
The set utilizes a variety of mediums including foam, wood, paper, and metal wires. It features a corner room with an attached crooked picture, a one-sided floor lamp, the signature orange couch, a side table with lamp, telephone, and three brooks, and a forced perspective TV top. The back of the couch features a wooden support block and the Chiodo Brothers' autographs in black ink. Also included are clay figures of Homer, Marge, Maggie, Lisa, Bart, and Gumby with the bottom of Gumby's foot engraved "Clav." Following production, this set was applied with Bondo to sympathetically stabilize the material for display. It exhibits some discoloration, cracks, chipping, and holes from production use and age. Dimensions: 30.25" x 20" x 14.75" (77 cm x 51 cm x 37.5 cm)
Estimate: $25,000 - 50,000
View all lots from SIMPSONS, THE (TV SERIES, 1989-PRESENT)