Mid-19th Century Painted Wooden Toy Horse - 25¼"

This charming painted wooden toy horse, dating from around 1850, exudes rustic character and timeless appeal. Hand-carved with naïve simplicity and expressive form, the horse stands tall with a slightly abstract, almost sculptural presence. The original paint—now heavily worn—reveals a soft, chalky patina with underlying layers of wood and hints of age-old brushstrokes. What remains of the saddle, with traces of red fabric and decorative trim, adds a touch of color and suggests the piece may once have been a ride-on toy, possibly mounted on a wheeled base. Rich with cracks, wear, and hand-forged details, this piece bears the authentic signs of play and time, making it not just a toy but a historic artifact of childhood past.

In a modern setting, it can serve as a sculptural statement in an entryway, nursery, or eclectic living room, offering a warm, textural contrast to sleek contemporary design. Its presence adds a touch of folk art and heritage, inviting storytelling and nostalgia into any space.