Early 20th Century Sevres Style Samson Plate - a Pair

Details

Description

This fabulous and rare pair of porcelain cabinet plates features a wide yellow border hand-painted with a fine dotted circle … Read more This fabulous and rare pair of porcelain cabinet plates features a wide yellow border hand-painted with a fine dotted circle pattern known in French as "fond pointille" (dotted background) and "oeil de perdrix" (partridge eye) introduced by Sevres in the 18th century. Six alternating reserves are decorated with exotic birds and classical busts in profile. Zoom into the photos to appreciate in detail.

Perfect for a symmetrical display on a console table, cabinet or as hanging plates on a wall. They would also make a much-appreciated gift for a bird lover or fine porcelain collector.

Both plates are marked on the underside in blue, forming a cartouche enclosing the letter R, a mark used by Samson of Paris on pieces after Sevres designs. Similar items have been described as Sevres décor ornithologique Buffon, inspired by the work of French naturalist Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon (1707–1788). Services of this pattern were crafted in several colors and variations during the reign of Louis XVI, with some completed decades later, following the French Revolution and the Empire period.

A plate of similar size and decoration (titled assiette unie, Sevres Porcelain Factory, 1784) in green is part of the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. In very good condition as shown.

Measurements: 9 7/16" (24 cm) diameter approximately.
Weight: 1 lb. 14.4 oz. unpacked pair. See less