Antique French pair of ormolu mounted bisque porcelain pedestals

Antique French pair of ormolu mounted bisque porcelain pedestals by Samson et Cie
French, Late 19th Century
Height 104cm, width 37cm, depth 37cm
 
Crafted by the esteemed Parisian firm Samson et Cie, this impressive pair of Neoclassical-inspired pedestals showcases the workshop’s exceptional craftsmanship. Established in 1845 by Edmé Samson, the manufactory became well known for producing finely made interpretations of celebrated European and Asian porcelain traditions such as Sèvres, Meissen, Chinese export wares, and Japanese Imari. Although Samson pieces were generally marked to differentiate them from historic originals, some were later passed off as antique works, a circumstance that has helped make them highly sought after by modern collectors.
 
The pedestals combine several luxurious materials, featuring both glazed and biscuit porcelain enriched with delicately cast gilt-bronze mounts. The matte white bisque elements create a refined contrast to the deep, lustrous cobalt-blue porcelain, echoing the decorative language of Sèvres.
 
Cylindrical in form, each pedestal is decorated with a band of finely modelled bisque relief portraying Bacchanalian revelry. Surrounding this central scene are sections of dark blue porcelain embellished with gilt ornamentation—floral sprays, scrolling motifs, swags, and acanthus leaves—adding depth and texture to the overall design. The pieces rest upon square ormolu bases with crisply detailed leaf patterns, and the tops are finished in red, providing an elegant platform for displaying artworks or objets d’art.
 
Both pedestals bear the Samson stamp near the lower edge, accompanied by the names ‘Le Reverend’ and ‘Le Sueur’.
 
Bringing together high-quality materials, classical decoration, and the celebrated workmanship of Samson et Cie, this pair offers a striking decorative statement suitable for both traditional interiors and contemporary spaces.
 
Artist/Maker: Samson et Cie