Asianart.com | Associations | Articles | Exhibitions | Galleries

Just curious about the origin and purpose of these (merely commercial? for a special occasion???) It's a group of 5 dinner-plate sized pieces (about 10 and 1/4 inches across). Each shows a different coat of arms -- two lions, lion and unicorn, lion and horse, two horses. The one with two horses has a crown and castle on top of the coat of arms, along with a figure blowing a trumpet. The two lions one has a knight with battle axes, while others have different decorations. All with the same artist's mark on the back. They all appear to be hand painted, aand pretty well done (although the lions in particular aren't as intimidating as they might be). I'd be grateful for information about the artist, and the history (if any) behind these plates.

Try exploring Samson French porcelain.

European dinnerware, inspired by Chinese export table services made-to-order with coats-of-arms.

The bottom of the one you show suggests production mass-produced molded blanks. Possibly post-world-war-II English, not made for export to US.

Smarter persons may be able to point to a specific maker.

This is the Samson Ceramics,France late 19th century

You have plates made in Paris in the late 19th century. They are done in the Chinese style with enamel work of some quality. The mark is a common one used by the VIVINIS company. It is contemporary with products made by SAMSON . Some features of that factory work that distinguishes it from 18th century Chinese products(even if unmarked) are 1)Lack of serifs on the lettering of mottoes 2)Color enamels not used by the original makers 3)Lack of shading in the arms.4) A border design never seen on period pieces. 5) A whiter body of porcelain.

Thanks to all for the information. A couple of followup questions. First, were the marks on the bottom traditionally painted on, rather than impressed? These were obviously painted on, indicated by the fact that a couple have smeared slightly over the years. Secondly, can you recommend a site where I might be able to identify the coat of arms represented on the plates? It might be interesting to track them back to their original owners.


Thanks again,

Lance

The plates made by this company did not usually start out as replacement pieces as some of SAMSONs work actually did. These are decorative motifs made for their aesthetic value. Therefore the arms are usually not representative of any actual armigerous family. They are to be taken for what they are, decorative items only.

Got it, and thanks again. Just to be clear in my own mind, these are Samson (Vivinis has also been mentioned)? I did search for Samson and found a number where the art was just like mine, but not under the other firm's name. I would like to be sure I'm not getting confused.

To lay this matter to rest,Google Porcelaine de Paris and see this mark is very often mistaken for a SAMSON product. Vivinis and Porcelaine de Paris are products of 19th century France but were not made by Edme Samson. I hope this clarifies the origin your plates.

Asianart.com | Associations | Articles | Exhibitions | Galleries |