Early 20th Century French Hand Carved Ride-On Toy Horse - 27½"

An early 20th century French toy horse carved from wood and painted in a deep chestnut tone with black hooves. It features a real horsehair mane and tail and a small linen saddle cloth secured with metal tacks. Hand crafted with simple, honest details, the figure has developed a mellow patina with worn paint and softly rubbed edges that speak to years of play and handling, giving it a well loved and endearing presence. In timeworn condition with scattered scuffs, minor splits at the seams, and some losses to the horsehair.

The horse may originally have been mounted on small casters, as was common for toys of this type, but today it reads beautifully as a sculptural decorative object, embodying the nostalgia and whimsical charm of years past.