Description: Wood, fabric, metal, glass. Burma, 20th century
Marionette theater is a very popular and traditional leisure activity in Burma and these rather large puppets are elaborately decorated. The male puppet is wearing shoes with bird heads, the female puppet is barefoot and full chested. The clothing is extremely elaborately designed, intricately decorated, all individually sewn and with silver and gold threads as well as round, silver metal plates that reflect the light when the puppet moves. There are likely around a thousand of them on each puppet; the outer plates are now darkly patinated. Colored glass has also been attached. The painted facial features are clear in expression, the full hair tied together and deep black.
Dimensions: LENGTH approximately 88 CM
Provenance: From the collection of Annemarie van Meer
Condition: Good condition; technical performance elements - controller and strings - are completely preserved.