Santa Sleigh with a Present Porcelain Limoges Box

Santa takes the reins of his sleigh with a present riding along, setting off on the most important night of the year. This Christmas scene is a hand-painted porcelain Limoges box from Limoges, France.

Up, Up and Away

The image of Santa in his sleigh has filled holiday cards, storybooks and dreams for generations. This piece captures the moment of departure, with a present on board and a long night of deliveries ahead. Because the painting is done by hand, every sleigh carries slight differences in color and detail.

Painted After the Kiln

Many Limoges boxes are decorated by hand once the white porcelain has been fired, and their metal mounts are fitted by hand as well. That patient process has changed very little since small porcelain boxes became fashionable in 18th century France.

The Night Before Christmas

• Hand-painted porcelain from Limoges, France
• Joins reindeer, chimney, stocking and Christmas tree pieces
• A holiday present for a family, a host or a Santa collector

Set it on the mantel among garland, beneath the tree with the wrapped presents, or on a hall table where guests arrive. It comes out each year with the decorations and quickly becomes part of the tradition.