A mid-century Czech marionette depicting a traditional fairytale King figure. Crafted with a hand-painted papier-mâché head crowned in gold and red, faux fur hair and beard, hands, and gold painted boots, featuring elasticated joints at the limbs for movement. He wears a deep burgundy velvet-style robe with braided white trim and a white faux-fur shoulder cape, suspended from his central metal wire rod and original control strings.
Kings are essential royalty characters in classic Eastern European folk theatre, often acting as the central authority figure in fairytale performances. Produced in Eastern Europe during the mid-20th century, this piece serves as a functional performance puppet while making a striking piece of eclectic decor.
Measures approximately 17 x 9 cm, with a total height of 36 cm including the metal rod.
Care will be taken when packaging for postage, though some minor untangling of the strings may be needed when unpacked.
The condition is good with light age-related wear to the paintwork and fabric, including slight discolouration to the white fur collar.
This piece would suit theatrical prop collectors, vintage toy enthusiasts, fairytale decor lovers, or bohemian interior displays.