Custom-made marionette of the artist Nam June Paik

The artist - marionette made based on a photo

The marionette can serve as a striking display piece, part of a themed collection, an essential piece in a theatre play or a distinctive gift for admirers of avant-garde art, media art, and puppet craftsmanship. Its handcrafted nature makes it both a conversation piece and a celebration of creative individuality.

This very unique marionette was created at a request of a fan of the artist Nam June Paik. The whole marionette was designed in a 3D graphic program and printed out afterward to make it light and easy to operate. The face and body parts are hand-painted into the tiniest details to achieve a realistic look fitting the character. Designed for collectors, puppetry enthusiasts, and lovers of art-inspired objects, this marionette is not a mass-produced toy but an original artisan piece. Each figure is individually made, giving it its own character and slight variations that add to its authenticity and charm.

The whole process of creating a custom-made marionette is very interesting and we are open to your ideas during this time! We provide photos documenting 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 based on our atelier capacity. In case you wish for an express order in a shorter period of time, let us know.

Nam June Paik

Nam June Paik (1932–2006) was a Korean-born artist and composer widely regarded as a pioneer of video art and innovator who is often called the father of video art. He was born in Seoul, studied music and art history in Japan and Germany, and later became an important figure in the international avant-garde art scene. He became known for combining television, music, performance, and technology into innovative artworks that reshaped contemporary art. Paik’s work often explored the relationship between media, culture, and communication, and his experimental approach helped define new forms of artistic expression in the electronic age.

Paik became famous for using televisions, video monitors, magnets, cameras, and live broadcasts as artistic materials. At a time when TV was mainly seen as a tool for entertainment or news, he turned it into an art form. His work mixed technology, performance, music, sculpture, and experimentation in ways that were groundbreaking.

Some of his most famous works include large installations made from stacked TV sets, robot sculptures built from electronic parts, and video pieces that explored global communication and the future of media. His art often felt futuristic, humorous, and sometimes chaotic, while also commenting on how technology shapes human life.

Paik was one of the first artists to imagine a world connected by electronic media, long before the internet became part of daily life. Because of that, his work still feels surprisingly modern today.

Production details

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, paint the face and hands, 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 atelier workshop, for more info.

Payment options

We require a 50% down payment before we start the production. Or you can pay the whole amount right away.

Sizes and other variations

• We offer portrait marionettes in three sizes –  S - 60cm, M - 80cm, L – 100cm. Movable mouth and eyes are optional. The final price is dependent on these variants.
• This type of marionette is made to order. The production may take several weeks based on the availability of our atelier workshop. But it is always worth it to wait for the final masterpiece.