Myanmar Puppet Appraisal

Burmese Yarn Marionette Puppet (Aung Myin)

This appears to be a traditional Burmese marionette puppet, specifically an 'Aung Myin' character, often representing a warrior or prince from the Ramayana epic. The puppet features a hand-carved wooden head with painted facial features, including a prominent beard and mustache, along with a topknot or headdress. The hands and possibly the feet are also sculpted from wood. The body and limbs are constructed from a combination of fabric and possibly internal wooden or padded structures, allowing for flexibility. The puppet is dressed in elaborate attire, primarily crimson red and deep blue or navy fabric, likely velvet or a similar rich material, adorned with gold-colored trim and intricate embroidery or appliqué details around the collar, waist, and cuffs. A diagonal sash or sword holder crosses the chest, suggesting the martial nature of the character. The puppet holds a slender wooden stick or 'bow' in its hands, further indicating a warrior role. Visible condition includes some signs of age and handling, such as slight wear on the fabric, particularly at edges and folds, and possibly some dust accumulation. However, the overall condition appears to be relatively good with no obvious major tears or breaks. The craftsmanship suggests a folk art or traditional artisan origin, with careful attention to costuming and character representation. The detailed facial expression and the multi-layered costume point to a quality piece created for performance or ceremonial display. Given its style and construction, it likely dates from the mid to late 20th century.