Samson Of Paris After Chelsea – Allegorical Figurines, C. 1850
Buckland, United Kingdom
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Item details
Height
22.8 cm
Width
11.0 cm
Depth
9.0 cm
Wear conditions
Good
This item has been confirmed as professionally refurbished by the seller. Please reach out to the seller for more information.
Confirmed
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
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 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 cm
Depth: 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.
Condition report:
An item that has been previously used. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended.
Cancellations
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Returns
We have a 14-day return guarantee for orders from individual sellers, within the UK and European Union. View full policy.
Estimated delivery time
Less than one week
Free collection available
Yes
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- Selling at Vinterior since 2023
- 20 sales
- Ships from Buckland, United Kingdom
Seller Reviews
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 24th March 2025
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