Samson Porcelain Figures, "the Idyllic Musicians", Paris, C.1880, After Derby

A refined and well-preserved pair of late 19th-century porcelain figures attributed to the workshop of Edmé Samson, Paris, c.1880. Modelled after the famous mid-18th-century Derby pair known as "The Idyllic Musicians" or "Pipe and Tabor Figures", the group depicts a standing male figure originally playing a flageolet and tabor (the tabor stick now missing), and a female figure holding a triangle (the striker now lost).                                                                                           The design closely follows Derby's c.1760 composition, and the underglaze mark on the base imitates the factory’s crossed batons, executed here in purple – a colour sometimes used by Samson in imitation marks.                                                                                                                             The figures are finely painted in soft enamel colours with delicate detailing to costume and faces. The glaze surface shows a satin-like softness characteristic of Samson's revivalist works imitating English porcelain. The pair is particularly successful in capturing the rococo grace and playful elegance of the original models. Condition and Dimensions:                                                                                                                          Male figure: height 21 cm, width 10 cm, depth 11 cm, weight 506 g. Loss of the tabor stick from the right hand, small chip to bow, chip to back of base, chips to green leaves, minor enamel wear. Female figure: height 21 cm, width 11 cm, depth 9.5 cm, weight 482 g. Loss of triangle striker in left hand, several chipped leaves, minor enamel wear. Very good antique condition overall; faces and costume decoration very well preserved.                                                                                    Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance