Many people know who Emperor Norton was, the eccentric 'Emperor of America' who minted his own money and was adored by his adopted city of San Francisco. Fewer know of 'Emperor Norton's Widow' who is a mythical figure who for years was celebrated by San Francisco drag queens on Halloween and Gay Pride celebrations. Although this tradition occasionally falls out of practice, artist Chas Bogan has sought to resurrect and strengthen it with the creation of this marionette.

She is about twenty two inches in height, and was sculpted by hand. Although this theme of the Widow Norton may be revisited with future designs, she is an original, and comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist. She is quite fun to operate, her hands capable of many a dramatic gesture. Her headdress is multi layered; it can be pulled back completely to show off her face, but is meant to hang down, her sharp features and hues are designed to show through her mourning veil.