Puppet (4) rukada - Wood, fabric - 1960-1970

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€10
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Set of four traditional Sri Lankan string puppets (Rukada Natya) from the mid-20th century, handmade wooden figures with fabric elements and vibrant polychrome finishes, each representing different mythological characters and measures 50 cm in height, 10 cm in width, and 5 cm in depth, total weight about 1 kg, in good used condition with signs of age.

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Description from the seller

Splendid and rare lot consisting of 4 traditional string puppets from Sri Lanka, entirely handcrafted and painted. These artworks belong to the ancient theatrical tradition of the Sinhalese puppets, known as Rukada Natya (recognized by UNESCO as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity). A Fire Demon (Raksha): Painted in the classic tones of orange and bright red, with large flame-shaped ears and a pointed headdress.
A Gurulu Mask (Mythological Bird): A finely carved protective winged demon, topped by serpent (Naga) motifs and vibrant polychrome details on the back and wings.
A Long-Tongued Demon (Maha Sona or similar): Characterized by a conspicuous long red tongue in motion and thick hair made of dark green/black textile fibers. Material: Traditional lightweight wood (typically Kaduru or balsa), hand-carved.
Finish: Hand-painted with vivid colors and traditional pigments.
Details: Fabric elements, golden trims, mirrored inserts, and hair in plant fiber or wool. Set of 4 Traditional Sri Lankan String Puppets (Rukada Natya) - Mid-20th Century A rare and beautiful set of 4 traditional handmade string puppets from Sri Lanka, representing the ancient Sinhalese puppet theater tradition known as Rukada Natya (recognized by UNESCO).
This cohesive collection features vibrant colors, expressive hand-carved details, and authentic traditional costumes, making it highly attractive to international collectors of Asian art and ethnography.
The Set Includes:
Royal/Noble Character: Wearing a detailed blue and gold geometric headdress, brocade fabric clothing, mirrored chest embellishments, and holding a ceremonial silver element.
Fire Demon (Raksha): Painted in vibrant orange and red tones, with large flame-shaped ears and a pointed headdress.
Gurulu (Mythological Bird) Demon: Finely carved protective demon with multi-headed serpent (Naga) motifs and intricate polychrome details.
Long-Tongued Demon: Featuring a distinctive extended red tongue and thick hair made of dark green/black textile fibers. Visionare bene le fotografie, i burattini sono completi di fili e bastoncini, tutto funzionante.

Splendid and rare lot consisting of 4 traditional string puppets from Sri Lanka, entirely handcrafted and painted. These artworks belong to the ancient theatrical tradition of the Sinhalese puppets, known as Rukada Natya (recognized by UNESCO as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity). A Fire Demon (Raksha): Painted in the classic tones of orange and bright red, with large flame-shaped ears and a pointed headdress.
A Gurulu Mask (Mythological Bird): A finely carved protective winged demon, topped by serpent (Naga) motifs and vibrant polychrome details on the back and wings.
A Long-Tongued Demon (Maha Sona or similar): Characterized by a conspicuous long red tongue in motion and thick hair made of dark green/black textile fibers. Material: Traditional lightweight wood (typically Kaduru or balsa), hand-carved.
Finish: Hand-painted with vivid colors and traditional pigments.
Details: Fabric elements, golden trims, mirrored inserts, and hair in plant fiber or wool. Set of 4 Traditional Sri Lankan String Puppets (Rukada Natya) - Mid-20th Century A rare and beautiful set of 4 traditional handmade string puppets from Sri Lanka, representing the ancient Sinhalese puppet theater tradition known as Rukada Natya (recognized by UNESCO).
This cohesive collection features vibrant colors, expressive hand-carved details, and authentic traditional costumes, making it highly attractive to international collectors of Asian art and ethnography.
The Set Includes:
Royal/Noble Character: Wearing a detailed blue and gold geometric headdress, brocade fabric clothing, mirrored chest embellishments, and holding a ceremonial silver element.
Fire Demon (Raksha): Painted in vibrant orange and red tones, with large flame-shaped ears and a pointed headdress.
Gurulu (Mythological Bird) Demon: Finely carved protective demon with multi-headed serpent (Naga) motifs and intricate polychrome details.
Long-Tongued Demon: Featuring a distinctive extended red tongue and thick hair made of dark green/black textile fibers. Visionare bene le fotografie, i burattini sono completi di fili e bastoncini, tutto funzionante.

Details

Era
1900-2000
Weight
1 kg
Number of objects
4
Style
Folk Art
Title
4 Marionette Tradizionali a Fili dello Sri Lanka (Rukada Natya) - Metà del XX Secolo
Country of origin
Sri Lanka
Material
Wood, fabric
Ethnic group/culture
rukada
Indigenous object name
Rukada Natya
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
50 cm
Width
10 cm
Depth
5 cm
Depiction/theme
Mythology
Estimated period
1960-1970
ItalyVerified
Private

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