ANTIQUE PERFUME BOTTLE: OPIUM VIAL IN PORCELAIN AND ENAMEL, MANUFACTURE SAMSON

A porcelain and polychrome enamel opium flask with Chinese-style decoration of birds on branches in oblong cartouches on a foliate scroll background. Chased ormolu mount with openwork decoration. The lid of this antique perfume bottle is crowned with a flower forming the grip. With a mark in red under the base. Probably Samson.

Documentation: the Samson Manufactory reproduced numerous ornamental pieces from the reigns of Kangxi (1662-1722), Yongzheng (1723-1735) and Qianlong (1735-1795). The European taste for highly decorated pieces at the end of the 19th century was reflected in the rich floral decorations of Samson's decorative pieces. Around 1900, enthusiasts followed the recommendations of discerning collectors such as Grandidier, who, in his book "La Céramique chinoise" published in 1894, advocated the artistic superiority of polychrome porcelain. They therefore sought decorative pieces from the "famille verte" or the "famille rose", if possible mounted in bronze. The glazes on these pieces produced by Samson are often very successful, even if they are cruder and more meticulous than Chinese glazes.

Bibliography: Florence Slitine, Samson, génie de l'imitation, Paris, Éditions Charles Massin, 2002, pp. 161-168.

Circa: 1890

Dim: W:8cm, D:8cm, H:21cm.

Condition report: the bottle is in very good condition, with some wear on the bronze.