Vintage Burmese Yoke Thé Marionette

Exhibition-Scale Vintage Burmese Yoke Thé Marionette in Custom Gilded Lacquer Shadow Box – The Mythological Galone (Garuda), c. 1970s-1980s Dive into the exquisite artistry of this exhibition-scale vintage Burmese Yoke Thé marionette, featuring the mythological Galone (Garuda), encased in a custom gilded lacquer shadow box, dating back to the 1970s-1980s. Description An exceptional, exhibition-sized three-dimensional shadow box art piece featuring an authentic, hand-crafted Burmese Yoke Thé (marionette) puppet. The puppet depicts the Galone (Garuda), the revered mythical avian king and guardian deity, intricately poised in a dynamic flying stance. The figure features hand-carved solid wood hands, feet, and a remarkably detailed profile head with an integrated predatory beak and tiered royal crown (Mongkut). The head features an authentic performance neck-ring joint. The costume showcases master-level Shwe-chi-doe (traditional Burmese gold-thread embroidery). It is densely adorned with hand-stitched silver-toned metal sequins, brass wire loops, metallic bugle beads, glass seed beads, and faux ruby cabochons wrapped in brass wire bezels. The shoulder caps and hip panels are shattered and structured as stylized bird wings and tail feathers. The puppet is permanently fixed in a mid-air floating pose inside the display, mimicking its dynamic stage presence. Premium Framing Craftsmanship The deep 5.5-inch shadow box itself is an exquisite work of traditional decorative art. The outer vertical sides are completely wrapped in a traditional Southeast Asian gilded lacquerware panel (Yun technique). This features hand-etched gold-leaf scrolling vines and floral motifs over a rich cinnabar lacquer base, seamlessly joined with wood flush-pegs to a heavy solid-wood front cap frame. The interior features a deep brown velvet mount and an elegant silver-inner lip accent. Specifications Character: Galone / Garuda (Mythical Bird King / Guardian) Origin: Myanmar (Burma) Estimated Age: Mid-to-late 20th Century (Vintage c. 1970s–1980s) Technique: Hand-carved lacquered wood, Shwe-chi-doe relief embroidery, Hman-zi Shwe-cha faux glass mosaic inlay, Yun gilded lacquerware frame casing Dimensions: 26.5" Width x 39" Height x 5.5" Depth Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Minor natural patina and oxidation on metallic costume components consistent with age, verifying authenticity. Fabric, wood carving, lacquerware side art, and frame assembly are structurally sound. Valuation & Auction Settings Estimated Market Value: $450 – $750 USD ($600 – $1,000 CAD) Pickup at Yonge Street and Steeles Avenue