Vintage Burmese Elephant Marionette – Rare 1990s Burmese “Hsin” Puppet – Hand-Carved Wood – Original Strings

Name: Vintage Burmese Elephant Marionette – Rare 1990s Burmese "Hsin" Puppet – Hand-Carved Wood – Original Strings
SKU: 898
Availability: InStock

$325.00

Vintage Burmese “Hsin” Elephant Marionette – The Craft World Tours Collection An authentic 1990s-era “Hsin” (Elephant) marionette from the Craft World Tours Collection. Hand-carved in Myanmar (Burma), this traditional Yoke thé theater puppet features a fully articulated, multi-segmented wooden body and trunk designed for lifelike performance. This “handsome old dude” has been carefully prepared for display, having been professionally vacuumed, cleansed, and nourished with a light Murphy’s Oil Soap treatment to stabilize the wood while preserving its original polychrome paint and deep, earthy patina. A rare find for the serious collector, it remains completely strung with all of its original…

1 in stock

Category: Puppets and Marionettes

Description

The Heritage: This exceptional “Hsin” (Elephant) marionette is a flagship piece from the Craft World Tours Collection. It was personally curated in the 1990s by Professor Tom Muir Wilson, an expert in global folk art who led specialized tours to document the master artisans of Southeast Asia.

The Craftsmanship: A masterclass in Yoke thé (Burmese string puppetry), this elephant features a sophisticated segmented construction. The trunk and all four legs are jointed with internal cordage, allowing for the lifelike, rhythmic movement required for traditional theater openers. The decorative “howdah” (saddle) and headpiece are carved directly into the wood and finished in traditional polychrome.

Condition & Restoration: This piece has been meticulously preserved to maintain its “old soul” character.

Cleaning: Thoroughly vacuumed and stabilized.
Treatment: Lightly nourished with a Murphy’s Oil Soap dilution to protect the wood grain and original paint without stripping the vintage patina.
Integrity: Remarkably, the puppet remains completely strung with all of its original black theater strings and its hand-hewn wooden control bar.

Terms of Sale & Condition Disclaimer

Sold Strictly “As-Is”: This item is a vintage, field-sourced artifact from the Craft World Tours Collection. By purchasing, the buyer acknowledges that this piece is an authentic folk-art object with a history of use and age. All sales are final; no returns, exchanges, or refunds will be accepted.

Condition & Photographic Representation: * Wear & Patina: This piece exhibits “character wear” consistent with its age and origin. Any chips, fading, or minor structural irregularities are inherent to its vintage nature and are not considered defects.
- Color Variations: Please note that color rendering varies significantly across different monitors, phone screens, and lighting environments. The seller is not responsible for perceived color discrepancies between the digital images and the physical item.
- Description Accuracy: We provide high-resolution photography and detailed descriptions to the best of our ability. However, we are not responsible for subjective misinterpretations of “wear,” “patina,” or “condition.”
String Integrity & Handling: This marionette is sold with its original 1990s strings intact. While the strings are currently functional for display, they are vintage fiber and may be delicate. The seller is not responsible for string breakage or tangling that may occur during transit or subsequent handling by the buyer.