Samson Paris, Porcelain Tripod Vase With Coat Of Arms, 1880–1890

A tripod-shaped lidded vase made of French hard-paste porcelain, crafted and painted in Paris by Edmé Samson, Samson, Edmé et Cie, circa 1880–1890. The globular body rests on three feet and is an example of French Chinoiserie inspired by 18th-century Chinese export porcelain bearing coats of arms.

Each foot is adorned with a green acanthus leaf and ends in a gilded scroll. The main face features a fanciful heraldic design: a central shield flanked by two winged griffins rendered in grisaille, beneath a gilded crest, with the scroll reading “SPERABO”—“I shall hope.” These are not the identified arms of any particular family.

Bouquets in pink, purple, iron red, and green cover the body. The shoulder is adorned with a green checkered band and gold and red details. The domed lid is surmounted by a Chinese guardian lion, or foo dog, painted in white, green, and gold.

The glazed underside bears a pseudo-Chinese decorative mark made with a red-hot iron, associated with Samson’s Chinese-style porcelain; this is not a Chinese reign mark. Founded in 1845, the Samson company is known for its reinterpretations of antique European and Asian porcelain.

Dimensions

Height: 32 cm; Diameter: 19 cm; Weight: 2,429 g

Condition

Excellent antique condition. Small chip on the inner rim where the lid rests; otherwise, the vase is in excellent condition. Inspected under UV light.

Please examine the attached photographs carefully, as they are 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.