This handcrafted marionette is inspired by Vlasta Burian, the legendary Czech actor, comedian, and theatre performer. Designed as a character puppet with a distinctive hand-painted face and expressive smile, it captures the charm and stage presence associated with this iconic figure. Vlasta Burian was not only a legendary Czech comedian and actor, but also a skilled football goalkeeper who played for clubs including Sparta Prague and Viktoria Žižkov. This marionette reflects both his theatrical fame and his lesser-known connection to the world of football.
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The marionette is dressed in a vivid red top, white shorts, striped knee socks, and brown lace-up shoes, giving it a playful, theatrical appearance. With articulated limbs and classic string control, it is suitable as a collectible display piece, for puppet enthusiasts, or as a unique gift connected to Czech theatre and cultural history. Its stylized portrait carving and carefully assembled costume make it a distinctive marionette for collectors of character puppets, traditional marionettes, and handmade theatrical art.
The whole process of creating a custom-made marionette is very interesting and we are open to your ideas. We provide photo documentation from the manufacturing process and all the details can be customized. If you're interested in having a similar marionette made, don't hesitate to contact us!
The time of the production usually takes about 90 days depending on the availability of our atelier workshop. In case you wish for an express order in a shorter period of time, let us know. For an extra fee, we can provide that as well.
Vlasta Burian (1891–1962) was a celebrated Czech actor, comedian, singer, and theatre director, often called the “King of Comedians.” He became one of the most popular entertainers in Czechoslovakia through his distinctive humor, improvisational talent, and unforgettable stage and film performances. Active especially in the 1920s and 1930s, he starred in numerous comedy films and built a lasting legacy in Czech theatre and cinema. Today, he is remembered as one of the most iconic figures of Czech popular culture.
Vlasta Burian was not only a legendary Czech actor and comedian, but also a passionate sportsman and talented football goalkeeper. Before becoming famous on stage and screen, he played as a keeper for clubs including Sparta Prague and Viktoria Žižkov, and football remained an important part of his public image. That connection to the sport adds another layer of charm to this marionette, linking Burian not just to Czech theatre history, but also to the lively world of early Czech football.
The marionette itself is designed and printed by using 3D technology. Afterward, we carefully sharpen and shape each inch of the body, sew its clothes, make hair, paint the face, and tie the strings to a wooden controller.
Once you complete your order, you will receive an educational video to learn how to play and control your marionette. All of our custom marionettes are built to reach the professional level of marionette playing.
The cost of potential extra requirements will be calculated individually. Contact Lucie, the head of our guild workshop, for more info.
We require a 50% down payment before we start the production. Or you can pay the whole amount right away.
Sizes and other variations
Absolutely wonderful, better than expected.. a very talented puppet creator. Very pleased
Of course, the quality was good, and the packaging was careful. Pinocio also has a very cute face. It was the best!
This is fun because it can move like a human. I will practice so that I can control it better! I made a very good purchase. As expected, it's an authentic mionette!
Zlatna Kostova’s review: If you think you've already seen all the magic Prague has to offer, visit Czech Marionettes. It may well become the highlight of your trip. Walking into this beautiful workshop and gallery felt like stepping into another world – a world where every puppet has a personality, a history, and a soul. There are antique marionettes waiting to be lovingly restored, newly carved figures taking shape from blocks of linden wood, theatrical puppets, film puppets, one-of-a-kind collector's pieces, custom commissions, and charming souvenirs. Everywhere you look, you can feel that this is not simply a shop but a living workshop where Czech puppetry continues to flourish. Even before my visit, I knew that Czech puppetry is one of the country's great cultural traditions, recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. After spending time here, I understood why. This is not merely craftsmanship - it is an art form passed down through generations with extraordinary dedication and love. Lucie Robinson, the wonderful manager of Czech Marionettes, welcomed my friend Tanya and me with warmth and genuine enthusiasm. She shared how she herself fell in love with puppetry after making her very first marionette in the workshop of the internationally renowned master Martin Růžička. Through her stories - and through a fascinating video from Růžička's studio - we caught a glimpse of the artistry and passion behind his remarkable creations. Daniel then took us "behind the scenes", showing us sketches, designs, carving tools, unfinished puppets, and restoration projects. As he demonstrated the marionettes, he handled them as if they were living companions rather than wooden figures. His affection for them was impossible to miss and wonderfully contagious. Around us, the workshop was alive with creativity. One artist was carefully repairing the broom of an evil witch, while another was delicately painting the faces of the Princess and her Prince from "The Nutcracker" and refreshing their costumes. Watching these characters slowly come to life was absolutely mesmerizing. Leaving Czech Marionettes was surprisingly difficult. It reminded me of the feeling I had the first time I entered the newly opened "The Moon-lit Room" puppet theatre in Sofia - you simply don't want the enchantment to end. If you are visiting Prague, don't miss this extraordinary place. Whether you are a collector, a theatre lover, an artist, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful craftsmanship, Czech Marionettes offers an unforgettable experience. I already know that every time I return to Prague, this will be one of my first stops.
I missed the opportunity to purchase a marionette when I was in Prague so I bought this one. It’s so well made. I’m excited to show my grandkids! Rozkošný!
Source of the reviews: Marionettes.cz, Google, Etsy
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