Puppet - Wood, Metal, Textile, Plume - 1940-1950
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Two antique Central European theatre marionettes made of carved wood, repoussé metal and antique textiles, dating to approximately the 1940s, with a large warrior figure (80 × 18 cm) and a musketeer figure (40 × 15 cm), in good overall condition with age-related wear and patina.
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Description from the seller
Pair of antique theater puppets
Central Europe — Mid-20th century
Carved wood, repoussé metal and antique textiles
Rare ensemble consisting of two string theater puppets representing military and chivalrous characters, probably originating from Central Europe (Czechoslovakia, Hungary or Austria), made around the 1940s-1960s.
These pieces display remarkable artisanal workmanship blending:
- heads carved and hand-painted,
- repoussé and hammered metal armors,
- antique textiles in rich red and brown tones,
- original movable joints.
The first puppet depicts an Oriental warrior or janissary, recognizable by his expressive polychrome face, decorated shield, and curved saber.
The second represents a musketeer or guard captain in Renaissance/baroque-inspired attire, wearing a red and black plume helmet, equipped with a rapier and a broad shield.
The ensemble exudes a strong theatrical and decorative presence, characteristic of itinerant popular theaters in Central Europe in the 20th century.
Dimensions
Large warrior puppet: 80 × 18 cm
Musketeer puppet: 40 × 15 cm
Condition
Good overall condition with wear, oxidation and patina consistent with age.
Some signs of use visible, contributing to the authentic charm of the pieces.
Provenance
Former private collection.
Ideal for:
- collection of antique puppets,
- cabinet of curiosities,
- theatrical or scenographic decoration,
- enthusiasts of European folk arts.
Pair of antique theater puppets
Central Europe — Mid-20th century
Carved wood, repoussé metal and antique textiles
Rare ensemble consisting of two string theater puppets representing military and chivalrous characters, probably originating from Central Europe (Czechoslovakia, Hungary or Austria), made around the 1940s-1960s.
These pieces display remarkable artisanal workmanship blending:
- heads carved and hand-painted,
- repoussé and hammered metal armors,
- antique textiles in rich red and brown tones,
- original movable joints.
The first puppet depicts an Oriental warrior or janissary, recognizable by his expressive polychrome face, decorated shield, and curved saber.
The second represents a musketeer or guard captain in Renaissance/baroque-inspired attire, wearing a red and black plume helmet, equipped with a rapier and a broad shield.
The ensemble exudes a strong theatrical and decorative presence, characteristic of itinerant popular theaters in Central Europe in the 20th century.
Dimensions
Large warrior puppet: 80 × 18 cm
Musketeer puppet: 40 × 15 cm
Condition
Good overall condition with wear, oxidation and patina consistent with age.
Some signs of use visible, contributing to the authentic charm of the pieces.
Provenance
Former private collection.
Ideal for:
- collection of antique puppets,
- cabinet of curiosities,
- theatrical or scenographic decoration,
- enthusiasts of European folk arts.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Title
Marionette ancienne Théâtre
Country of origin
Europe
Material
Plume, Metal, Textile, Wood
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
80 cm
Width
18 cm
Depth
18 cm
Depiction/theme
Military
Estimated period
1940-1950
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