Summary

Hand made marionette depicting a chinese laundry worker carrying a basket of washing. It was manufactured and operated in Melbourne by Alex and Murray Smith, who performed as part of Le Forgeron Marionettes from 1930 until 1956.

Physical Description

Marionette depicting a Chinese man, who is wearing a pale blue jacket with dark blue polka dots and cuffs. He has three pearly white buttons down the front and beige, three-quarter length pants. His skin has been painted in an orange-yellow colour. He wears no shoes but does have felt soles. The man carries a basket full of washing. The wooden basket is a lemon colour with purple and black detailing to make it look woven. Random pieces of fabric have been glued to the top of the basket to play the role of washing. The washing basket is attached to two strings, which are threaded through hooks on his palms so he can carry it. This marionette is in excellent condition, including his face, despite some wear to the paintwork. The man is frowning and squinting one eye. His head is shaved except for his ponytail, which is long, black and plaited (it is made of wool). This marionette is has a four piece mechanism, which is of a different design to the others. There are operating strings attached to numerous parts of him, including his head, limbs and shoulders. The feet have been weighted

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