Cloth Puppet Appraisal

Vintage Character Hand Puppet

The item is a hand puppet featuring a male character with a distinctive facial expression. The head appears to be made of molded plastic or a similar hard material, painted with flesh tones. The character has a ruddy complexion, possibly indicating age or a specific persona like a clown or elderly man. Notable facial features include blue eyes with prominent black pupils, thick white eyebrows, a small, upturned nose, and a wide, red-lipped smile. The hair is depicted as reddish-brown, sculpted around the head. The neck is integrated into the fabric body, which is a vibrant red. The body of the puppet is made of fabric, resembling a simple shirt or tunic shape with 'sleeves' for the puppeteer's fingers. The front of the red body is adorned with several textual elements and graphic designs. Down the center, the word "MERANG!" is repeated multiple times in white lettering. Below this text, there are three circular designs, possibly depicting phases of the moon or abstract patterns, with white edges and dark centers. The lower edge of the red fabric features a scalloped trim in blue and yellow. Below this, there's a wider white section with red speckles, possibly depicting a ruffled collar or skirt of a costume. The very bottom edge of the puppet's body is finished with a red and white polka dot ruffle. The 'sleeves' or hand coverings feature white painted hands with defined fingers. Visible condition issues include some discoloration or staining on the white lower section of the body, and general wear consistent with a textile item of its age. There are no clear manufacturer's marks or signatures visible from the provided image. Based on the style of the face and the overall construction, this puppet likely dates from the mid-20th century, possibly the 1950s or 1960s, a common period for mass-produced character puppets. The craftsmanship appears to be typical of commercially made toys from that era, designed for play rather than high artistry, but with a degree of charm and character in the painted face.