19th Century, German Porcelain Horse Drawn Sedan Chair & Riders by Samson & Cie

This exquisite porcelain figure, titled "Winter," is produced after with the influence of the artistry of Friedrich Elias Meyer (circa 1723–1785), a distinguished sculptor for the Me...

An exceptionally detailed Samson porcelain and gilt bronze covered urn or potpourri vase , Paris, late 19th century, executed in the Meissen manner. The baluster-form vessel is richl...

Pair of 19th Century, English Regency Period Papier-Mâché & Painted Cachepots with Classical Equestrian Battle Scenes An unusual and finely contoured pair of Regency period papier-m...

19th Century, French Faience Enameled Chinoiserie Table Top Cabinet. A very fine french enameled cabinet with chinoiserie decoration to the exterior and a white enamel to interior. G...

French Paris porcelain figural group depicting Marie Antoinette borne in her carriage with small dog following. Carriage has removable top cover. Beautifully-painted detailing, and v...

A charming and highly unusual scratch-built wooden model depicting a late 18th-century Paris chaise carriage, complete with a hand-carved horse and female driver. This delightful pie...

Charming and well-preserved antique toy in the form of a cart with coachman and horse, crafted from wood with detailed craftsmanship. The cart is painted black with fine red accents...

A Rare 18th-Century Meissen Porcelain Horse-Drawn Sleigh Group Featuring the Court Jesters Joseph Fröhlich and Gottfried Schmiedel, After a Model by Johann Joachim Kändler. This finely modeled and painted Meissen porcelain group, created circa 1750, captures a dynamic and theatrical sleigh ride featuring the court jesters Fröhlich and Schmiedel. The composition is anchored by a galloping white horse adorned with a blue cloth draped over its back, trimmed with gilt tassels. The harness, with delicate chains, connects the horse to an elaborately detailed sleigh with scrolling gilt accents and openwork elements. The sleigh glides over a textured, snow-covered base, sculpted to mimic the uneven terrain. At the center of this lively scene, Fröhlich, dressed in vibrant carnival attire with a green hat and yellow cape, stands on the runners of the sleigh, leaning forward to embrace and steal a kiss from Countess Friesen. However, the "Countess" is, in fact, Schmiedel in disguise, adding to the humor of the piece. Schmiedel wears a floral-patterned gown with intricate hand-painted blooms in shades of purple, yellow, and red, complemented by a white apron and a red bonnet. The finely painted facial features capture the moment's theatricality, as Schmiedel grips the reins while seemingly playing along with the jest. In front of them, a small monkey with wings sits perched at the sleigh’s edge, holding a dish with two burning hearts, reinforcing the amorous and playful nature of the composition. The back of the base bears the Meissen underglaze blue crossed swords mark, confirming its origin at the renowned German porcelain manufacturer. The model was first created by Johann Joachim Kändler in 1741, during his tenure as Meissen’s chief modeler. Kändler’s ability to animate porcelain figures with expressive gestures and dynamic movement is evident in this work, reflecting the theatrical influences of the period. Meissen, established in the early 1700s under the patronage of Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony, was the first European porcelain manufacturer to successfully produce hard-paste porcelain. The factory became synonymous with innovation, refinement, and technical excellence, with Kändler playing a key role in developing its sculptural traditions. Meissen’s 18th...