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This item is a 19th-century French armorial porcelain vase made by the famous Parisian firm Edmé Samson et Cie. It days easily over 100 years old; closer to at least 125 as its first known location was 1908 at the close of the original gallery.
Design and Origin: The vase is crafted in the Chinese Export Famille Rose style (specifically mimicking 18th-century Qianlong period armorial wares). It features a distinct white porcelain body adorned with hand-painted polychrome floral sprays and white slip enameling (moriage technique).
Heraldic Features: The front is decorated with a detailed heraldic coat of arms: The Motto: A pink ribbon reading "FORTIS IN BELLO" (Latin for Brave in War or Invincible in War). The Shield: A blue-ground shield containing a gold rampant lion and two arrows. The Supporters: The central shield is flanked by a rampant canine (often described as a panther or hound) and a lion.
Lineage: This specific heraldic crest is historically attributed to the House of Cantillon of Ballyheigue.
About the MakerEdmé Samson founded his workshop in Paris in 1845. The company specialized in creating high-quality, masterfully executed replicas and replacement pieces for famous porcelain manufacturers, including Meissen, Sèvres, and Chinese Export wares. Because these 19th-century reproductions are highly collectible in their own right, Samson pieces often feature a deliberate pseudo-Oriental or iron-red hallmark on the base.
The underside also features the Mark of the famous fine gallery Walter Kimball & Co, 31 Beacon St in Boston. The gallery closed officially in 1908 and the vase fell into my family collection in the 1940’s.
This vase stands 17” tall with a 5” mouth diameter and a 6.75” base diameter. The vase weighs an impressive 13.78 pounds.
Excellent, excellent antique condition. No chips or cracks. Only a noticeable, but not complete loss of gold paint around the mouth.
Thank you for looking and take care.
