Merry & Bright Victorian House with Horse-Drawn Sleigh Electric Taper Candle
Decorative Art/Holiday Figurative Sculpture • Generic/Commercial Festive Decor Manufacturer (likely produced in China for a retail brand such as Hallmark, Department 56, or similar holiday specialty stores)
Style & Movement
Americana/Victorian Revival Holiday Kitsch
Medium & Technique
Cast resin/plastic with hand-painted elements, iridescent glitter application, and integrated electrical LED components
Creation Period
Late 20th to Early 21st Century (Modern era)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12-15 inches in height (including candle); vertical/sculptural format on a circular base
Subject Description
A festive winter scene featuring a blue and white Victorian-style house atop a golden base inscribed with 'Merry & Bright.' A horse-drawn green sleigh with passengers and a decorated Christmas tree sit in the foreground. A large, faux-flicker taper candle emerges from the roof of the house.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; the structure appears intact, though there is visible surface dust, minor glitter shedding, and potential light oxidation on the 'Merry & Bright' lettering.
Estimated Market Value
US $15.00 - $35.00
Auction Estimate
US $10.00 - $25.00 (Secondary market platforms like eBay or Etsy)
Provenance History
Likely purchased through a mass-market retail or specialty gift store; typical of domestic residential holiday decor collections.
Art Historical Significance
Low; it represents the democratization of holiday decorative arts through mass production, reflecting 19th-century nostalgic aesthetics utilized in modern seasonal consumer culture.
Notable Features
Features a unique scale-discrepancy where the candle functions as a chimney or centerpiece spire; includes a 'Merry & Bright' typography on the tea-cup style base.
Condition Issues
Surface dust accumulation, minor loss of glitter coating, potential battery compartment corrosion (unseen), and minor scuffing on the golden plastic base.
Conservation Recommendations
Gently clean with a soft, dry makeup brush to remove dust without disturbing glitter. Store in a temperature-controlled environment and remove batteries when not in use to prevent internal damage.