File puptcrit/puptcrit.0702, message 177


From: "Robert Rogers" <robertrogers-AT-frontiernet.net>
To: <puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org>
Date: Sat, 17 Feb 2007 17:08:53 -0500
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] photo appraisal


Hi Yvette,

"Museum quality" is a subjective term.  I mean, if you have a Van Gogh 
painting, then you know that other Van Gogh's are in other museums.  But 
Chinese puppets?  There are collections though.  UCONN, The Center in 
Atlanta, Detroit, COPA.  Then, there are museums of Asian art and artifacts.

I'd say that the value of the marionettes in question also depends on the 
accompanying materials (if any) that tell their history - or provenance - as 
I often here on the PBS "Antique Road Show."

And value also depends on the market.  For example, I attended that auction 
back in the 80's of Bil Baird's marionettes.  Some of the prices ended up 
soaring to unbelievable amounts.  Were they worth it?  Who knows.  Did they 
retain their value?  I've often wondered, because I bought one.  I have a 
feeling, they did not.

Speaking of getting puppets to a museum.  It's not that easy.

If the puppets are in danger of being destroyed, then whoever has them 
doesn't value them very much.  If you can, I suggest you rescue them and 
figure out what to do with them later.

Coincidentally, I'm going to Taiwan next week and plan to see as much 
Chinese puppetry as I can.  I'll try to get some info about the value of 
marionettes - though it's a different market over there.

Robert 

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