Chinese Opera Theatre Marionette, Red Silk Robe, Pink Pom Poms

Chinese opera marionette male doll, circa 1920s. The head of this puppet is carved in a soft wood; the feet and hands are also made of wood. The hands can form a closed fist or an open palm by the joint at the level of the fingers. The headdress of this puppet is made of cardboard, leather, glass beads, silk and metallic ornaments. Puppet wears an embroidered silk costume (about 80/90 years). This puppet is about 80-90 years old and comes from the Chinese region of Fujian. These puppets were used in funeral ceremonies. They played the role of guardians of the deceased in the afterlife.

33" H