19th Century Sicilian Italian Marionette Folk Art Puppet 'Opera dei Pupi'

A oversized late 19th century Marionette in original untouched condition, originating from Palmero Italy. The figure is missing both arms, its original clothing is heavily fad...

A large carved and polychrome painted tobacconist's figure almost certainly 17th or early 18th century For a related example see Edward H. Pinto, Treen and other Wooden Bygones, Bell and Hyman, London 1969. Page 412, plate 436. Originally this may well have been a tobacconist's shop window figure. For a similar, but slightly earlier unpainted example, see Sotheby's, The W. J. Shepherd collection of treen, 30th November 1983, Lot 393, illustrated in Pinto "Wooden Bygones of Smoking and Snuff Taking", plate 1. Carved wooden figures, often painted, were placed outside tobacconist's shops as signs from the 17th century onwards. The earliest of these figures is the 'black boy' or 'blackamoor'. 'At the sign of the black boy' or 'at the sign of the blackamoor' was a popular address for tobacconists since the early 17th century. The 17th century figures...

19th century Scotsman (Highlander) Carousel large carved and painted standing figure wearing kilt with plume hat on large round base.

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, we acquired from a collector. Each puppet shows clear signs of previous stage use. Likely from the early 1900s. Would make for a great addition to any Chinese artifacts...