Royal Doulton ‘The Puppeteer’ Figurine HN2173

This is a vintage glazed ceramic figurine from Royal Doulton titled 'The Puppeteer' (model number HN2173), designed by artist Mary Nicoll. The piece stands approximately 7 to 8 inches tall and is crafted from fine bone china. It features a standing male figure with a partially bald head and grey hair, wearing a forest green turtleneck sweater and yellow-mustard colored trousers. He is depicted holding two hand puppets—a Punch figure in a red and yellow outfit in his right hand, and a Judy figure in a blue dress in his left arm. The craftsmanship is high, evidenced by the expressive facial features and the detailed textures of the clothing. Behind the man is a draped chair with red and gold stripes, resting on a characteristically smooth, oval, tan-colored base. The colors are vibrant under a high-gloss glaze finish. Condition-wise, the piece appears in excellent vintage state with no visible chips, cracks, or crazing, though a standard inspection of the underside would likely reveal the Royal Doulton lion and crown backstamp and the model number, indicating its mid-20th-century origins (produced between 1956 and 1965).