A finely modelled Samson Paris porcelain covered vase richly decorated with floral motifs, gilt ornament and an armorial crest bearing the Latin motto “Esse Quam Videri”.
Executed in the spirit of earlier 18th century European porcelain, the piece combines softly moulded rococo-inspired relief decoration with delicate hand-painted floral sprays in pink, green and iron-red tones. The domed cover is surmounted by an elegant sculptural flower finial, adding verticality and refinement to the silhouette.
Particularly striking is the heraldic cartouche to the front, painted with a decorative coat of arms above the motto “Esse Quam Videri” - translated as “To be, rather than to seem.” The combination of heraldic imagery and ornate porcelain decoration reflects the historicist aesthetic for which Samson Paris became celebrated during the late 19th century.
The underside bears an apocryphal oriental-style mark associated with Samson productions imitating earlier European and Asian porcelains.
Details:
• Origin: France
• Maker: Samson Paris (attributed)
• Period: Late 19th century
• Dimensions: 19.5 cm height × 11.5 cm diameter / 7.7 × 4.5 in
• Condition: Good antique condition with age-related wear, minor rubbing to the gilding and small manufacturing imperfections consistent with age. The cover appears original to the piece. (The photographs form an integral part of the description.)
A well-placed antique does more than decorate a room - it gives it authorship. Against a contemporary interior, older objects introduce texture, balance and a sense of permanence that cannot be replicated by newly made pieces alone.
This is the principle behind the LÜRON selection. We look for works that carry historical character with ease, and that feel as convincing in a Paris apartment as they do in a more modern architectural setting.
