Large pair of Samson porcelain and ormolu Chinoiserie vases

This exceptional pair of vases was crafted in the late 19th century by Samson et Cie, a renowned French factory of ceramics.

The beautiful body of each vase is coloured in rich blue ground. A plethora of nature-inspired designs are expertly painted in gold around the circumference of the vases. The illustrations showcase flowers, foliage as well as wooden constructions, possibly of a bridge. A porcelain lid tops each piece, decorated in a similar manner to the vase bodies below. A detailed ormolu finial cast to depict fruits and flowers surmounts the lids. The painted imagery is inspired by Chinese art, whereas the ormolu mounts are European in style.

An ormolu base standing on four lion paws and acanthus leaf feet supports the decorative objects.

The underside of the vases is painted with the blue Samson mark as well as other blue markings.

Samson et Cie was founded in Paris in 1845. The firm specialised in pieces that imitated earlier styles. Their works were of the highest quality and were not made to deceive the buyer but rather to satisfy the growing demand for pieces of this type.

Celebrating Eastern and Western art, the pair of vases would make an outstanding addition to an interior space.