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

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.
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