16/08/2026
Zawgyi the marionette with supernatural powers.
In Burmese folklore, the Zawgyi is a semi-immortal alchemist who gained his powers through years of magic and study, not birth or luck. He lives alone in Himavanta, a hidden legendary forest, where he forages herbs and minerals for his potions.
Our Zawgyi marionette is hand-carved from wood and hand-painted, with a horse-hair beard and a hand-stitched cotton and velvet costume in red, purple and black. It's finished with metal sequins and a red glass flower with gold-coloured beads at its centre, and he holds a stick said to carry magical power.
In Burmese belief, marionettes like this aren't just carved figures. They're thought to hold something of the character they represent, which is why puppets such as the Zawgyi have traditionally been treated with real care and respect.
A hand-made piece of Burmese folklore, straight from the workshop to your shelf.
Read more
www.naturallycrafted.co.uk/blog/2026/8/16/the-marionettes-of-burma-craft-character-and-the-spirit-of-the-zawgyi
