What are Samson of Paris Chelsea-style allegorical figurines?

Produced in 19th-century France by Edme Samson et Cie, these porcelain figures replicated 18th-century designs from major European manufactories, including Chelsea, depicting mythological or classical allegories.

What materials and techniques were used to create Samson porcelain figures?

Samson employed durable hard-paste porcelain decorated with hand-painted overglaze polychrome enamels, delicate gilding, and intricately molded Rococo Revival scroll bases.

How can one identify authentic Samson porcelain reproductions?

Authentic Samson items typically feature hand-painted pseudo-factory marks applied over a hard-paste body, distinguishing them from the soft-paste composition of original 18th-century Chelsea pieces.

How can allegorical porcelain figurines be styled in a modern interior?

Positioning a pair of ceramic statuettes on a dark wood mantelpiece or inside a glass vitrine provides an ornamental contrast against modern minimalist decor.

How should antique hard-paste porcelain figurines be cleaned and maintained?

Dust the surfaces gently using a dry, soft brush, and avoid immersing the pieces in water or using abrasive chemicals that might compromise the hand-painted enamels or gilding.

for sale €819 $889

£700

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Samson of Paris After Chelsea – Allegorical Figurines, C. 1850

Name: Samson of Paris After Chelsea – Allegorical Figurines, C. 1850
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1124971
Price: 700 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Gillers Antiques Ltd

Description

These rare and antique porcelain allegorical figurines are part of a set representing the Four Elements, specifically Earth and Air. Created in the Chelsea style by the French porcelain manufacturer Samson & Cie around 1850, they are exquisite examples of 19th-century craftsmanship.

The Earth figure is adorned in a richly patterned dress with floral motifs and holds a cornucopia overflowing with fruit and a sheaf of wheat, symbolizing abundance and fertility. The Air figure is depicted as a winged maiden sitting on a cloud, holding a peacock in her hands, personifying the boundless nature of the sky. The scrollwork bases, designed in the Rococo style with pierced elements, are characteristic of the Chelsea-Derby style.

Such figurines were typically sold as decorative mantelpieces or cabinet displays, enhancing the interiors of aristocratic and upper-middle-class homes.

The Samson company was founded by Edmé Samson (1810–1891) in 1845 with the goal of producing museum-quality reproductions of ceramics displayed in museums and private collections. The company specialized in recreating 18th-century designs from renowned European porcelain manufacturers such as Meissen, Sèvres, Derby, Chelsea, and Worcester. These pieces were not intended as forgeries, but due to their extraordinary craftsmanship, some are now mistaken for originals.

Samson's master artisans copied the finest porcelain designs of the era with such precision that their work eventually became highly sought-after, sometimes even surpassing the desirability of the originals. The company gained international recognition, exhibiting at the International Exposition of 1867 and the Exposition Universelle of 1889.

Today, Samson porcelain is highly collectible, with pieces from the mid- and late 19th century still commanding significant value among collectors.

Figure: Air Height: 22.8 cm Width: 11 cm Depth: 9 cm

Weight: 694 grams

Condition: The end of the left wing is broken off. Under UV light, it can be seen that the left shoulder and left wing have been professionally restored. The tip of the little finger on the right hand is chipped off. Otherwise, it is in excellent antique condition.

Figure: Earth Height: 22.4 cm Width: 10.5 cmDepth: 9 cm

Weight: 644 grams

Condition: Under UV light, it can be seen that the left hand has been overpainted, but this is not visible in daylight. Otherwise, it is in excellent antique condition.

Please carefully review the accompanying photographs, 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. Please note that shipping costs include labor, packaging, and postage.

Declaration

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated these Samson Porcelain Allegorical Figurines to the 1850s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1124971

Description

These rare and antique porcelain allegorical figurines are part of a set representing the Four Elements, specifically Earth and Air.

“

Created in the Chelsea style by the French porcelain manufacturer Samson & Cie around 1850, they are exquisite examples of 19th-century craftsmanship.

Gillers Antiques Ltd

fig 1. A pair of 19th-century French Samson polychrome porcelain allegorical figures standing on pierced Rococo scroll pedestals. — fig 1. Samson of Paris After Chelsea – Allegorical Figurines, C. 1850

The Earth figure is adorned in a richly patterned dress with floral motifs and holds a cornucopia overflowing with fruit and a sheaf of wheat, symbolizing abundance and fertility. The Air figure is depicted as a winged maiden sitting on a cloud, holding a peacock in her hands, personifying the boundless nature of the sky. The scrollwork bases, designed in the Rococo style with pierced elements, are characteristic of the Chelsea-Derby style.

fig 2. A pair of 19th-century French Samson polychrome porcelain allegorical figures standing on pierced Rococo scroll pedestals. — fig 2. Samson of Paris After Chelsea – Allegorical Figurines, C. 1850

Such figurines were typically sold as decorative mantelpieces or cabinet displays, enhancing the interiors of aristocratic and upper-middle-class homes.

The Samson company was founded by Edmé Samson (1810–1891) in 1845 with the goal of producing museum-quality reproductions of ceramics displayed in museums and private collections. The company specialized in recreating 18th-century designs from renowned European porcelain manufacturers such as Meissen, Sèvres, Derby, Chelsea, and Worcester. These pieces were not intended as forgeries, but due to their extraordinary craftsmanship, some are now mistaken for originals.

fig 3. A pair of 19th-century French Samson polychrome porcelain allegorical figures standing on pierced Rococo scroll pedestals. — fig 3. Samson of Paris After Chelsea – Allegorical Figurines, C. 1850

Samson's master artisans copied the finest porcelain designs of the era with such precision that their work eventually became highly sought-after, sometimes even surpassing the desirability of the originals. The company gained international recognition, exhibiting at the International Exposition of 1867 and the Exposition Universelle of 1889.

fig 4. A pair of 19th-century French Samson polychrome porcelain allegorical figures standing on pierced Rococo scroll pedestals. — fig 4. Samson of Paris After Chelsea – Allegorical Figurines, C. 1850

Today, Samson porcelain is highly collectible, with pieces from the mid- and late 19th century still commanding significant value among collectors.

Figure: Air Height: 22.8 cm Width: 11 cm Depth: 9 cm

Weight: 694 grams

fig 5. A pair of 19th-century French Samson polychrome porcelain allegorical figures standing on pierced Rococo scroll pedestals. — fig 5. Samson of Paris After Chelsea – Allegorical Figurines, C. 1850

Condition: The end of the left wing is broken off. Under UV light, it can be seen that the left shoulder and left wing have been professionally restored. The tip of the little finger on the right hand is chipped off. Otherwise, it is in excellent antique condition.

fig 6. A pair of 19th-century French Samson polychrome porcelain allegorical figures standing on pierced Rococo scroll pedestals. — fig 6. Samson of Paris After Chelsea – Allegorical Figurines, C. 1850

Figure: Earth Height: 22.4 cm Width: 10.5 cmDepth: 9 cm

Weight: 644 grams

Condition: Under UV light, it can be seen that the left hand has been overpainted, but this is not visible in daylight. Otherwise, it is in excellent antique condition.

fig 7. A pair of 19th-century French Samson polychrome porcelain allegorical figures standing on pierced Rococo scroll pedestals. — fig 7. Samson of Paris After Chelsea – Allegorical Figurines, C. 1850

Please carefully review the accompanying photographs, 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. Please note that shipping costs include labor, packaging, and postage.

Date of Manufacture

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated these Samson Porcelain Allegorical Figurines to the 1850s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1124971

About the Dealer

Gillers Antiques Ltd

Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2023

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Gillers Antiques Ltd Profile Page

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