Name/Title
Handcrafted Stop-Motion Puppet – Court Dancer / Performer (c.1970s–1990s)Entry/Object ID
S9XKST2680Description
Artist: Alan Platt (c.1941–2022)
Height: 20 cm
Medium: Mixed media – hand-moulded head, textile costuming
Condition: Vintage – fragile; signs of age and use consistent with its role in stop-frame animation
Overview
An elegant female puppet evoking the grace of a court dancer or noblewoman. Dressed in a cream satin robe with embroidered trim and pleated hem, her look is completed with stylised black hair adorned with red floral pins and blue beaded accessories. Delicate, expressive hand positioning and a tilted head suggest movement and poise. A beautifully stylised piece from Alan Platt’s character repertoire.
Production Context
Exact production unknown. This puppet may have featured in a story influenced by East Asian folklore or opera, or as a symbolic figure in a cross-cultural stop-motion work. Its detailed styling, poised gesture, and ornate costume support a narrative of elegance, refinement, or ceremonial performance.
Provenance
This piece was part of a large group of puppets donated by Alan Platt to a local charity. Many were in deteriorated condition and undervalued due to a lack of context. Through my role as a designer at Mahara Gallery and working with Alan Platt on the promotional material for his 2015 exhibition Stop! Frame! The Illusion of Life, I was able to identify the donated puppets immediately as treasures and select a number of the most significant and visually compelling pieces—museum-level works of craftsmanship and cultural value—for preservation, professional photography, and collector offering.
Condition Note
In fragile vintage condition—best suited for display or conservation. May require gentle stabilisation. Handle with care.
More to Come
Additional puppets from this archive will be listed soon.
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S9XKST2680Dimensions
Height
20 cmDiameter
9.5 cm
