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Not currently on display at the V&A

Bunraku puppet

Puppet
20th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The head is made of wood and is hollow. The head, hands and feet are painted white. The puppet has long black hair, red painted eyes and scowling mouth. It wears a long flowing red patterned silk brocade kimono which is belted. The head is placed on a stick, which is placed through the shoulder board. The arms and legs are each attached separately to the shoulder board by rope. A long wooden armature is attached to the puppet's left hand, through the use of which the left-hand puppeteer operates the doll's left arm and hand.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleBunraku puppet (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Silk brocade; carved and painted wood
Brief description
Bunraku puppet, made in Japan in the 20th century.
Physical description
The head is made of wood and is hollow. The head, hands and feet are painted white. The puppet has long black hair, red painted eyes and scowling mouth. It wears a long flowing red patterned silk brocade kimono which is belted. The head is placed on a stick, which is placed through the shoulder board. The arms and legs are each attached separately to the shoulder board by rope. A long wooden armature is attached to the puppet's left hand, through the use of which the left-hand puppeteer operates the doll's left arm and hand.
Dimensions
  • From the top of the crown to the feet height: 96cm
  • From arm to arm width: 28
Credit line
Lanchester Collection
Collection
Accession number
S.964-2011

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Record createdFebruary 23, 2012
Record URL
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