A Samson Iznik-style vase with animals, France, 19th century

The present vase’s decoration follows the aesthetic that became fashionable in Iznik ceramics produced in the second half of the sixteenth century. A similar vase depicting birds, dogs and rabbits in what recalls a hunting scene, is in the Musée National de Céramique, Sèvres, inv.no.1842 (published in Atasoy & Raby 1989, p.257, fig.542a), two others are in the British Museum (inv.no. 1878,1230.462 & 1878,1230.463) and three are in the Victoria & Albert Museum (inv.no. C.2004-1910, C.1992-1910 & 6784-1860).

Edmé Samson (1810-91) was a celebrated producer of porcelain and pottery. At the head of the Samson, Edmé et Cie firm, he created a successful business of highly refined ceramics including works inspired by historical masterpieces kept in museums. An ewer bearing Samson’s mark shows a similar green body with animals and geometric bands (published in F. Slitine, Samson – Génie de l’Imitation, Paris, 1999, p.75). Another vase with animals was offered in these rooms, 27 October 2021, lot 257.