Vermeil and Gemstone Carriage with Enameled Silver Horses and Mounted Coachman

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...

A Pair of 20th Century French Silvered Bronze and Crystal Centerpieces/Vases/Planters. This pair of vase centerpieces are a stunning example of 20th-century French design, combining...

A silver-gilt and enamel Austro-Hungarian horse drawn carriage model Austro-Hungarian, Early 20th Century Case: 28cm high x 89cm wide x 44...

A ‘Palais Royal’ miniature horse-drawn carriage trinket box made with mother of pearl, silver-plated horses and gold plated metal. 19th century.