Samson of Paris After Derby, Figurine of a Street Seller, C. 1850

This rare antique Derby-style porcelain figurine features a street seller. The figure of a woman in an elegant pose is finely detailed and carefully painted with bright colors and gold accents. Her dress is adorned with floral patterns and rich fabrics, characteristic of Derby porcelain. She holds a cone in her hand and appears to be filling it with roasted chestnuts from her basket. The style is reminiscent of the "Cries of Paris" series by Meissen or Chelsea's "London Trades," which depicted street vendors. English porcelain factories such as Derby and others were influenced by these works and created their own versions of similar figures. The Derby mark on this figurine was later altered by Samson.

The Samson company was founded by Edmé Samson (1810–1891) in 1845 with the goal of creating 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 replicated the finest porcelain designs of the era with such precision that their work eventually became more sought-after than some of the originals. The firm gained international recognition, exhibiting at the International Exposition of 1867 and the Exposition Universelle of 1889.

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

Dimensions: Height: 17 cm Width: 5.8 cm Depth: 6.7 cm Weight: 275 grams

Condition:A broken-off part of the basket handle ,missing parts of the little finger and index finger on the left hand.A professionally mended firing crack at the bottom

Otherwise, excellent preservation of enamel colors and gilding

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. Please note that shipping costs include labor, packaging, and postage.