Sjees
A Sjees (from Dutch, meaning chaise) is a Dutch traditional two-wheeled carriage pulled by one or two horses, which originates from Friesland in the north of Netherlands. Also called a Friesian chaise, it resembles a chaise or gig carriage but with unique regional distinctions. The undercarriage, wooden axle, large wheels, and shafts are usually painted white. The body, which is supported on cee-springs and leather braces, has a curved dash and seats two people. Typically, the body is decorated with elaborate painting, gilding and carvings, and the upholstery is brightly colored velvet or leather.[1][2][3]
The sjees is customarily driven with black Friesian horses, either one horse in shafts, or two on either side of a pole. The harness is a breast collar style, decorated with white trim, and white rope is used for the reins and traces.[1][2][3]
When using this chaise carriage with a pair arrangement of horses, it uses a metal bracket as a kind of yoke underneeth the bellies of the horses, hence the dutch name: 'beugelsjees' (bracket chaise).[citation needed]
- Sjees
Sjees with pair of horses
c. 1825 print depicting a sjees
Elaborate decorations on this sjees
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References
[edit]
- 1 2 Smith, D.J.M. (1988). A Dictionary of Horse Drawn Vehicles. J. A. Allen & Co. Ltd. p. 82. ISBN 0851314686. OL 11597864M.
- 1 2 Walrond, Sallie (1979). The Encyclopaedia of Driving. Country Life Books. p. 128. ISBN 0600331822. OL 4175648M.
- 1 2 Walrond, Sallie (1992). Looking at Carriages. pp. 104–5. ISBN 0720712823. OL 3828623M.
External links
[edit]- Short closeup video of a sjees. Netherlands. 5 June 2023. Event occurs at 7:45-8:13 – via YouTube.