sjees

{{Short description|Dutch horse cart}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2023}}

File:In Fryske sjees.jpg

A Sjees (from Dutch, meaning chaise) is a traditional Dutch 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.{{r|smith|walrond79|walrond92}}

The sjees is customarily driven by 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.{{r|smith|walrond79|walrond92}}

File:Friesian Sjees.jpg|Sjees with pair of horses

File:Hollandse sjees, ca. 1825 Een Hollandsche chais Une chaise roulante en usage en hollande et connu sous le nom de chais ou chees (titel op object), BI-B-FM-116-74.jpg|c. 1825 print depicting a sjees

File:Rijtuigen, tentoonstellingen, kleuters, Wagenmakers roem, Laren, Bestanddeelnr 043-0973.jpg|Elaborate decorations on this sjees