Antiques, Collectibles and Fine Art Auction
Lot 107:
Large Qing Dynasty Chinese Opera Puppet (Wusheng Martial Figure)
Description
A rare and imposing late Qing Dynasty Chinese opera puppet representing a wusheng (martial hero) figure. Featuring a carved and polychrome wooden head and an elaborate embroidered silk costume with armor elements, the puppet exemplifies the theatrical splendour of late-19th-century Chinese court and regional opera traditions.
Details
Culture: China
Period / Dynasty: Qing Dynasty, circa 1870-1900
Object: Opera puppet
Role Type: Wusheng (martial male character)
Materials:
Carved and polychrome wood head with original gesso
Embroidered silk costume with couched gold threads, mirror appliqués, and armor panels
Headwear: Original red-and-black officer’s hat
Height: 48 cm (excluding stand), 18.5 inches H x 6 W.
Display: Mounted on a modern stand
Provenance: Private Montréal collection
Condition: Losses to gesso and polychromy; wear and losses to the costume consistent with age and theatrical use. Structurally intact and visually compelling.
Catalogue Note
Puppets played an important role in Chinese theatrical culture, particularly in court and regional opera traditions during the Qing Dynasty. Large-scale figures such as this example were used to portray wusheng characters, martial heroes drawn from history, legend, and classical literature, recognized by their armour, weaponry, and commanding presence.
The present puppet displays the defining features of the wusheng role: a forceful facial expression, military headgear, and an elaborate costume incorporating embroidered silks, gold-thread couching, and reflective mirror elements intended to catch stage light. The finely carved wooden head retains traces of its original gesso and polychromy, while the richly worked costume reflects the high level of craftsmanship associated with late Qing court and elite performance contexts.
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