What documented Puppetry (Kheimeh-shab-bazi) looks like
No confirmed reference photograph of Puppetry (Kheimeh-shab-bazi) is in the archive yet; rely on the inspection points below and ask the seller for close-up photos of the back, edges and maker's marks.
Puppetry (Kheimeh-shab-bazi) at a glance
| Persian name | خیمهشببازی |
| Category | Performing crafts · String puppets |
| Main techniques | — |
| Typical materials | wool, cotton |
| Places of making | Not documented |
| Current vitality | Endangered |
Understanding Puppetry (Kheimeh-shab-bazi)
What Puppetry (Kheimeh-shab-bazi) is and how it is made
History
Kheimeh-shab-bazi ('night-tent play') was performed by travelling troupes, with a narrator and musicians. It has been kept alive in recent decades by theatre groups and festivals in Tehran and elsewhere.
Technique
Puppet heads are carved or modelled, painted and fixed to a jointed body; costumes are sewn by hand; strings are attached to a wooden control. Makers usually also perform.
Collecting and identification
Puppets are rarely sold. Decorative souvenir puppets are not the same as working theatre puppets; ask whether the piece was used or made by a performing troupe.
This guidance is educational only and is not an authentication or valuation service.
General background on the craft, not a statement about any individual object; dates and attributions summarise common positions in the literature and remain under review. Read the full Puppetry (Kheimeh-shab-bazi) entry.
Before you buy: what to inspect
- Hand-made marionettes have carved or modelled heads with individual painting, and hand-sewn costumes.
- Check the strings, control bar and joints: they should move freely without fraying or cracking.
- Ask whether the piece was made for performance or as a souvenir; both can be authentic but are built differently.
Typical materials: wool, cotton.
Red flags: copies and 'Persian style' imports
- Moulded plastic heads sold as carved or hand-modelled.
- Claims of a famous troupe or performer with no documentation.
A genuine Puppetry (Kheimeh-shab-bazi) piece should come with a named place of making in Iran and a clear statement that it is handmade.
Questions to ask the seller
- Who made the puppet, and was it used in performance?
- What are the head and body made of?
- Are the original strings and control bar included?
What affects the price
| Maker |
| Performance history |
| Detail of head and costume |
| Condition |
Care and cleaning
- Hang or lay flat so strings do not tangle; untangle slowly.
- Keep painted heads out of direct sun and damp.
Storage
- Store in a box with the strings wound around the control bar and tissue between parts.
Shipping
Wind the strings around the control and pack the figure in tissue inside a rigid box.
Disclaimer
This guide is educational. It cannot confirm that any particular object is genuine, old or valuable. For important purchases, ask an independent specialist. Read the full Puppetry (Kheimeh-shab-bazi) entry.