Edmé Samson & Cie Pair of Armorial Porcelain Plates, Paris, C.1890

Produced by Edmé Samson & Cie, Paris, around 1890, this fine pair of armorial porcelain plates belongs to the firm's highly regarded series inspired by eighteenth-century Chinese Export porcelain.

Each plate is moulded with shaped cartouches and enriched with raised bianco-sopra-bianco ornament, finely painted famille rose enamels and delicate gilding. The decoration combines Chinese Export taste with the refined Historicist style favoured by European collectors during the late nineteenth century.

The central armorial achievement comprises an azure shield bearing a golden lion, supported by a wolf and lion, surmounted by a crest with an arm holding an arrow. The motto FORTIS IN BELLO appears on a pink scroll beneath. The heraldry is most likely associated with the Irish-Norman Cantillon family of Ballyheigue.

The reverse carries Samson's characteristic iron-red pseudo-Chinese mark. Internationally renowned for museum-quality reproductions, the Paris manufactory developed a distinctive hard-paste porcelain body closely imitating antique Chinese Export wares. Originally intended to replace damaged pieces in historic services, Samson porcelains have become highly collectable in their own right.

A particularly appealing pair, combining decorative quality, heraldic significance and one of the best-known names in nineteenth-century French porcelain.

Measurements

Plate 1: Diameter 23.1 cm (9.09″), height 2.7 cm (1.06″), weight 360 g.

Plate 2: Diameter 23.1 cm (9.09″), height 2.7 cm (1.06″), weight 387 g.

Condition

Excellent antique condition. No chips, cracks or restoration. Minor wear to the gilding consistent with age. Both plates display exceptionally well and retain fresh enamels and strong gilding.

Shipping & Packaging

Fully tracked and insured delivery.

Shipping cost includes professional packaging, careful handling and secure postage.

Carefully packed using recycled materials where possible.

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. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.