Koets

Koets is a Dutch term for a horse-drawn carriage, a four-wheeled vehicle drawn by horses and used to transport passengers. In Dutch and Flemish contexts, the word denotes a closed or partly enclosed ceremonial carriage, often associated with state or private processions and seen as synonymous with coach in English. Historically, koetsen appeared in medieval and early modern Europe as status symbols for aristocracy and later royalty. They were built by specialized coachmakers with timber bodies, iron or steel fittings, and ornate upholstery, frequently featuring brass mounts, painted panels, and glass windows. The configuration typically includes a passenger compartment with a roof, a separate driver’s seat, and a detachable or folding top in some variants. A team of two or four horses and a coachman drove the vehicle.

Design variants include open types such as phaeton and closed types like barouche or landau, though the Dutch term koets generally refers to the ceremonial style rather than a strict subtype. In practice, koetsen are used today primarily for parades, royal or state functions, weddings, and historical reenactments; many surviving examples are preserved in national or municipal collections and may be displayed in museums or used in official ceremonies.

Preservation and restoration programs emphasize historical accuracy, including wheel rims, harness, and interior upholstery. The koets continues to symbolize pageantry and tradition in Dutch-speaking regions, reflecting centuries of carriage-building craft.