Description
A Grand Tour Era Horse-Drawn trinket dish in the Neo-Classical taste, Italy, circa late 18th to early 19th Century.
The Grand Tour was a 17th to early 19th century custom of the traditional trip through Europe, with Italy as a key destination. Young European men and women of the wealthy class were chaperoned by a tutor or family member – traveling and collecting souvenirs. The idea was to experience new sights and cultures, and to learn about the world in a hands-on way.
This wonderful and beautifully made trinket dish holder is modeled as a gold-toned metal horse-drawn carriage, pulling a hand-painted oval porcelain dish showing a winged mythical figure, wearing a cap and blowing a long horn. The rim of the dish is boldly painted in an orange and black geometric running border. The black outlined figure is set against a salmon ground. Very impactful.
The dish is braced to the ormolu wagon – the wheels actually turn!
The horse is well modeled, finely detailed with a rope form rein.
Overall measure: 6.5 in. L x 2.5 in. W x 2 in. H
Dish: 3.5 in. L x 2.5 in. W x 1 in. H
Delicately made and in marvelous condition. This piece has been lovingly cared for.
