Huge 19th Century Wearable Chinese Parade Puppet

There hasn't been much information regarding this particular type of lay figure, indeed these are exceptionally rare, until fairly recently since the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge ...

175 years ago this was created as a fountain that worked on water and counter weights. The elephant can now be plugged in and runs on dry land using a motor, cables and gears. The he...

What is an ophthalmotrope? An ophthalmotrope is an apparatus for demonstrating the movements of the eye and the action of the different muscles which produce them, consisting essentially of a model eyeball to which are attached strings and pulleys to duplicate the line force of the muscles. We think this example is most likely French from the early 20th century. The base is marble with paw feet. It’s also quite large at well over 3 foot tall. This instrument is very complete. It also includes additional parts to set the mechanics up in a different way. In the pictures above the strings are attached to a keyboard. The alternative replaces the keyboard with string guide with a dozen hanging tubular weights. This is one of the largest and most decorative examples we have seen. I have only seen pictures of ophthalmotropes and never one this fine and complete. It’s as rare and impressive show piece. This item was also used in the movie Knives Out,

This is one of the largest and rarest of the Dr. Auzoux papier mâché anatomical models. It’s also one of our most ambitious offerings. This prized 1846 first generation handmade model dates to the mid-1800s. I am told that there are almost 200 separate removable parts. It was recently found tucked away in a barn for over 20 years and is fresh to the market. A handful of Auzoux full size horse...

A wonderful work complete with a unique wood-carved and hand painted face and original textile garment. From a group of 7 Chinese opera puppets...

Antique funerary ceremony male marionette string puppet depicted as an emperor, with hands and head in softwood and a silk robe embroidered with drag...

A wonderful work complete with a unique wood-carved and hand-painted face and original textile garment. From a group of 7 Chinese opera puppets...

A wonderful work complete with a unique wood-carved and hand painted face, a wonderfully fabulous hairdo, and an original textile garment. From a group of 7 Chinese opera puppets, we acquired from a collector. Each puppet shows clear signs of previous stage use. Clearly original works. Likely from the early 1900s. Would make for a great addition to any Chinese artifacts...