Some of the most cheerful Limoges boxes live in the barnyard. This collection gathers horses and the whole country crowd: show horses and pasture mates, a polo pony at full gallop, a dressage pair in perfect balance, and plenty of farmyard friends, from a pig in a wash bucket to a rooster ready to wake the whole valley.
Limoges boxes are small porcelain boxes with hinged lids, hand-painted in and around Limoges, France. Country subjects suit that handwork beautifully, with glossy coats, woolly fleece and bright feathers all brushed on in miniature.
These make wonderful gifts for riders and horse owners, for anyone who grew up on a farm or dreams of a little place in the country, and for collectors who like a touch of humor on the shelf. A horse box is a natural for a show season or a new foal, and a farmyard piece brings a smile to any kitchen windowsill.
Rochard Three Horses Hand-Painted Limoges Box
In the meadow below the old stone farmhouse, three horses do everything together. They graze together, doze together, and gallop to the gate together the moment they hear the grain bucket rattle. The farmer swears they have a secret language. On quiet evenings, watching them stand nose to nose, it is hard to disagree.
Horse at a Fence Rochard Limoges Box
Every morning at seven, Céleste waits at the paddock rail. She can hear the barn door before anyone else, and she knows the sound of one particular pair of boots on the gravel. A soft nicker, a nudge at a coat pocket, and there it is: the carrot she was promised. Some routines never need changing.
Dressage Horse and Rider Rochard Limoges Box
The arena falls silent. Horse and rider glide across the sand as if they have been dancing together for a hundred years, every step light and deliberate. Not a single rein seems to move. Only afterward, back in the stable, does the horse let out a long, happy snort and ask, quite plainly, for his apple.
Rochard Polo Player on Horseback Limoges Box
Thunder of hooves, a flash of mallet, and the little white ball sails toward the goal. The crowd under the striped tents leaps to its feet, spilling a little champagne. The pony, of course, knew exactly where the ball was going all along. He simply let his rider believe it was her idea.
Pig Taking a Bath in a Wash Bucket Limoges Box
After a glorious afternoon in the mud by the orchard, Rosalie has decided that tonight is a bath night. She has climbed into the old wash bucket all by herself and is now waiting, rather impatiently, for somebody to bring the soap. Lavender, if you please. A lady has her standards.
Rochard When Pigs Fly Flying Pig Limoges Box
"I will believe it when pigs fly," the farmer said, the day his daughter announced she would one day go to Paris. Years later a postcard arrived from the Champ de Mars. Pinned beside it on the kitchen wall, a little winged pig has been grinning at him ever since.
Cow and Milk Bottle Rochard Porcelain Limoges Box
Marguerite is very proud of her work. Every morning she produces the creamiest milk in the valley, and every morning she stands beside the bottle to make sure everyone knows exactly who is responsible. The village cheesemaker calls her an artist. Marguerite, chewing thoughtfully, does not argue.
Rochard Standing Buffalo Limoges Box, Cowboy Hat Lifts Off
Out on the open prairie, the buffalo found a cowboy hat caught on a fence post after a windy night. He tried it on, liked the fit, and has refused to take it off ever since. The cowboy who lost it rides past now and then, tips his bare head, and lets the buffalo keep it. Fair is fair.
Rochard Sheep Porcelain Limoges Box, Farm and Nativity
Brebis is the woolliest sheep on the hillside and the calmest, too. When the sheepdog dashes about and the lambs scatter, she simply keeps chewing and lets the commotion pass. On cold nights the barn cats curl up against her fleece. She has never minded. There is, she feels, more than enough wool to share.
Dark Brown Hen with Chicks and Bow Limoges Box
Count them: one, two, three… Madame Poule counts her chicks every ten minutes, just in case. They are forever wandering off after beetles and dandelion fluff. Today she has tied on her best bow, because the whole family is going to visit the neighbors, and she wants everyone to look their very finest.
Rochard Farmyard Rooster Limoges Box
Long before the church bell rings, before the baker lights his ovens, Chanteclair climbs the woodpile and fills his chest. One magnificent crow, and the whole village stirs. He takes no holidays and accepts no complaints. The sun, he is quite certain, comes up only because he asks it to.
Rochard Mallard Duck Hand-Painted Porcelain Limoges Box
The mallard on the mill pond considers himself the best-dressed bird in the county, and few would disagree. That glossy green head, that tidy white collar: he looks ready for a wedding every single day. He paddles past the fishermen without a glance, a gentleman out for his afternoon constitutional.
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