Overview

A traditional Rajasthani kathputli string puppet, likely representing a courtier or attendant figure, consistent with the string-puppet tradition of Rajasthan, India. Craft World Tours documented the 2000 Pushkar Camel Fair itinerary through Rajasthan, a region closely associated with kathputli puppet-making and sale.

Design & Craftsmanship

Function & Form: Carved wood head with a moustached, bearded male face and a black lacquered pagri (turban) with an upswept crest. Stuffed cotton torso, arms, and legs dressed in a pink/maroon patterned costume. Measures approximately 26″H x 22″W (skirt spread), weight approximately 2 lb 4 oz. Originally rigged as a working marionette; control strings are present but no longer functional, so this piece is best suited to decorative display.
Artistry & Ornamentation: Costume is a pink/maroon sari-weight fabric with gold metallic (zari) trim banding at cuffs, waist, and hem. Painted facial features in warm ochre tones with black ink linework and red cheek/lip accents.
Structural Base: Head and headdress are solid carved wood; limbs are cotton-stuffed fabric forms.

Condition Report

Surface Condition: Consistent with genuine age: some fading to the costume fabric, read as natural vintage patina rather than damage.
Structural Integrity: Stable and structurally sound for display purposes. This item is sold “as-is” with all associated patina and wear inherent to its age and history as part of the Craft World Tours Collection.

kathputli

Rajasthani Kathputli String Puppet – Hand-Carved Wood & Silk Marionette Figure