Pair Of Samson-attributed Porcelain Covered Vases, Circa 1890

Pair of Samson-Attributed Porcelain Covered Vases, circa 1890

A remarkable pair of large covered porcelain vases attributed to the Samson manufactory, created in the manner of 18th-century Niderviller porcelain.

Each baluster-shaped vase displays a sumptuous cobalt-blue ground richly heightened with gilded scrollwork, palmettes, floral motifs, lambrequins and geometric borders.

The principal reserves are finely painted in reddish-brown monochrome, imitating the appearance of 18th-century red-chalk drawings. These pastoral scenes depict elegant figures, horsemen and animals within extensive country landscapes, framed by finely gilt Greek-key borders.

The bodies are lavishly applied with white porcelain relief decoration comprising laurel garlands, drapery swags, acanthus leaves, masks and scrolling foliate handles. The lower sections are gadrooned and richly heightened with gilding, above moulded stems and octagonal bases.

The domed, partially pierced covers are similarly decorated and surmounted by white and gilt porcelain foliate finials.

Each vase bears an underglaze blue mark imitating the crowned interlaced C marks historically associated with the Niderviller manufactory. This apocryphal mark, together with the elaborate historicist decoration, supports an attribution to the celebrated Samson manufactory.

French Louis XVI-style work, attributed to Samson, late 19th century, circa 1880–1900.

In excellent condition.

Dimensions: H. 51 cm (20.08 in.) × D. at the opening 27 cm (10.63 in.) × D. of the base 15 cm (5.91 in.).