Random Time! - Does an old bit of Mario merchandise show Mario/Luigi's father?

Nintendo had to pass off on this design at some point. In the earlier days of Mario, Nintendo may not have been as stringent as they are with the brand today. That might explain why something like this could slip through the approval process.

Notice that portrait on the wall with that older-looking Mario? It certainly seems like the main in that picture is related to Mario and Luigi. Who else could he be but their father? It seems this is the only bit of merchandise the man ever appeared in. It's pretty obvious that Nintendo has long forgotten about this item, but fans nowadays have rediscovered it and have plenty of questions!