Decorative Porcelain Horse by A RISE – Blue & White Chinoiserie with Gold Gilt (RARE Mark), c. 1960 🐴💙👑

This graceful and finely detailed porcelain horse statue by A RISE is a classic example of mid-century Chinoiserie artistry. The piece features striking hand-painted cobalt blue and white floral patterns, accented with gold gilding that defines its intricate details.

This figure serves as a captivating centerpiece and a top-shelf decorative object. Its A RISE mark authenticates its origin and places it within a recognizable lineage of vintage export decor. This piece is a strong, aesthetic acquisition for a collector seeking an authentic touch of mid-century elegance.

2. About the Porcelain Horse 📖✍️✨

This decorative porcelain horse is designed as a prominent, sculptural accent. It is typically displayed on a mantelpiece, bookshelf, or side table, rather than being a minor accent.

The horse is modeled in a proud stance, a form that symbolizes grace, power, and success in many cultures. The piece is highly decorated with intricate blue and white floral and stylized motifs on the body and saddle blanket. The application of gold gilt outlines the saddle, bridle, and decorative bells, which enhances the refined elegance and artistic heritage of the piece. The overall design is intended to bring a sophisticated, Asian-inspired aesthetic into a living space.

3. About the Maker: A RISE ✍️🏛️

The "A RISE" maker's mark features a winged horse over a globe, identifying it with a specific line of decorative ceramic items. These pieces were produced for the export market, catering to the mid-20th century trend of incorporating Asian-inspired designs into Western home decor.

While a great deal of information about the specific factory or artist remains outside of the historical record, the mark itself has become recognizable to collectors of vintage decorative arts. The craftsmanship involves a combination of molding and hand-painting, which distinguishes it from purely mass-produced items and confirms its origin in a specialized export workshop.

4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

This porcelain horse aligns with the post-war trend in home decor that saw a resurgence of interest in traditional Asian aesthetics, a style often referred to as Chinoiserie. This movement was characterized by the use of elaborate and imaginative decorative elements.

The use of the blue and white porcelain palette was particularly popular, harking back to the highly sought-after Ming and Qing dynasty ceramics. Produced in the mid-20th century, this piece connects a home to the global trade of the era, embodying a style that remains a staple of classic and sophisticated interiors.

5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This decorative horse will appeal to a Curator of Vintage Chinoiserie Decor or a High-End Interior Designer seeking a visually impactful accent. The ideal buyer appreciates the fusion of Eastern motifs with Western decorative tastes.

The target audience includes collectors who specialize in equine figural art or individuals curating a space with Mid-Century Modern or Regency Revival elements. The A RISE mark makes this a desirable find for collectors who prioritize verifiable marks within the vintage ceramics field.

6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

This porcelain horse is valuable for its detailed craftsmanship and its Aesthetic Premium. The A RISE mark authenticates its origin and places it within a collectible lineage of vintage Chinoiserie decor.

The piece is approximately 60 to 75 years old and has survived as a cherished artifact from the mid-20th century. Its high value is sustained by the meticulous hand-painted blue and white motifs and the intact gold gilding, which elevates it beyond a standard decorative piece. Its excellent condition further enhances its desirability among discerning collectors.

7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This vintage porcelain horse is in excellent, well-preserved condition, showing minimal wear commensurate with its age.

• Structural Integrity: There are no visible cracks, chips, or repairs to the porcelain body.

• Vibrant Artistry: The hand-painted details and gold gilding remain vibrant and fully intact, showing no significant rubbing or loss.

• Marking: The A RISE mark is clearly visible on the underside, as confirmed by photo analysis.

• Base Wear: The felt pads on the feet show wear consistent with the item's long life as a treasured decorative piece.

8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

• Chinoiserie Horse Symbolism: The horse, or Ma, in Chinese culture is a powerful symbol of perseverance, speed, and success, making it a popular subject for decorative art.

• Gold Accents: The gilded elements, which are applied on top of the glaze, are a characteristic of luxury export ceramics intended to appeal to the opulent tastes of the Western market.

• Blue and White Mania: The intense popularity of blue and white ceramics in Europe led to a phenomenon known as "Chinamania" in the 19th and 20th centuries, with collectors like James McNeill Whistler eagerly collecting it.

• Figural Design: Unlike flat-surfaced vessels, figural porcelain requires highly complex molding and firing to prevent warping, confirming a higher degree of manufacturing skill.

9. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰

• Item Name: Decorative Equine Figurine

• Maker/Factory: A RISE

• Period: Vintage, Mid-20th Century (c. 1960)

• Medium/Material: Glazed Porcelain (Underglaze Blue & White with Gold Gilt)

• Decoration: Hand-Painted Floral and Geometric Motifs, Saddled Horse Form

• Origin: Asia (China/Taiwan for the export market)

• Approximate Height: 11.0 inches

• Approximate Length: 11.0 inches

• Approximate Width: 5.0 inches

• Marking Transcription (Verbatim from Base): Blue Underglaze Mark of a Winged Horse over a Globe / A RISE / CHIN