Red & Gold "Samson-Chelsea Regency Bowl" Samson began his career by making service and set piece replacements in the late 1830’s. In 1845 he opened the ceramics  More »

Red & Gold "Samson-Chelsea Regency Bowl" Samson began his career by making service and set piece replacements in the late 1830’s. In 1845 he opened the ceramics firm Samson, Edmé et Cie at 7, Rue Vendôme (later Rue Béranger) in Paris, with the intention of supplying reproductions of ceramics on display in museums and private collections. The factory was moved to Montreuil, Seine-Saint-Denis in 1864 by Samson’s son, Emile Samson (1837—1913). The firm either drew inspiration from other factories, or directly copied their pieces. Designs from the factories of Meissen, Serves, Chelsea, and Derby were among the reproductions Samson, Edmé et Cie produced, along with designs copied from and all the major factories of England, France and Germany. During the eighteenth century, the market for fine china was considerable and Sampson’s firm reproduced ceramics in a breadth of styles including the faience and majolica types of Italian pottery, Persian style dishes, Hispano-Moresque pottery (a blending of Islamic and European motifs, produced during the 13th to 15th centuries), plates in the Fitz Hugh pattern, as well as plates designed by his fellow Frenchmen, Bernard Palissy. Another frequent style copied by the Samson firm was the famille rose and famille verte styles produced in China between 1720 and 1790. Imari wares, named for the Japanese port where a type of richly decorated porcelain made at Arita was shipped, were also copied by Samson. What a great find! By the famous Paris firm of Samson & Company. ,Red & Gold " Samson-Chelsea Regency Bowl measuring 2.75 high and 6.25 inches diameter . Signed on the bottom as marked and in good condition. This is a very outstanding and wonderful work that will give the discerning collector many years of enjoyment.   « Less

Antique Oval Floral Limoges Center Bowl Here we have a rare and Vintage Antique Oval Floral Limoges Center Bowl and no longer made. This lovely bowl is 11 inches long, 7.5  More »

Antique Oval Floral Limoges Center Bowl Here we have a rare and Vintage Antique Oval Floral Limoges Center Bowl and no longer made. This lovely bowl is 11 inches long, 7.5 inches wide and 4 inches deep, signed on the bottom as shown. Limoges Porcelain designates hard-paste porcelain produced by factories near the city of Limoges, France beginning in the late 1700s, but does not refer to a particular manufacturer. Limoges had been the site of a minor industry producing plain faience earthenwares since the 1730s. The manufacturing of hard-paste porcelain at Limoges was established by Turgot in 1771 following the discovery of local supplies of kaolin and a material similar to petuntse in the economically distressed area at Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche, near Limoges. The ingredients were used for the production of hard-paste porcelain similar to Chinese porcelain. The materials were quarried commencing in 1768. The manufacture was placed under the patronage of the comte d’Artois, brother of Louis XVI and the manufactory was later purchased by the King in 1784, apparently with the idea of producing hard-paste bodies for decoration at Sèvres, a venture that did not work out. Limoges had been the site of a minor industry producing plain faience earthenwares since the 1730s. The manufacturing of hard-paste porcelain at Limoges was established by Turgot in 1771 following the discovery of local supplies of kaolin and a material similar to petuntse in the economically distressed area at Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche, near Limoges. The ingredients were used for the production of hard-paste porcelain similar to Chinese porcelain. The materials were quarried commencing in 1768. The manufacture was placed under the patronage of the comte d’Artois, brother of Louis XVI and the manufactory was later purchased by the King in 1784, apparently with the idea of producing hard-paste bodies for decoration at Sèvres, a venture that did not work out. After the Revolution a number of private factories were established at Limoges, the chief of which was, and remains, Haviland & Co., and remains, Haviland & Co.   « Less

Charming Bavaria Oval Chinese Dragon Pin Tray Here is a charming painted Charming " Bavaria Oval Chinese Dragon Pin Tray " and measure 5 inches long and 3 inches wide.  More »

Charming Bavaria Oval Chinese Dragon Pin Tray Here is a charming painted Charming " Bavaria Oval Chinese Dragon Pin Tray " and measure 5 inches long and 3 inches wide. Great item and in good condition. Much confusion exists concerning the relationship between the names “Dresden” and “Meissen,” which are often used interchangeably. This misunderstanding dates to the earliest years of porcelain production in Europe. The secret of hard paste porcelain, previously the exclusive knowledge of the Chinese and Japanese exporters, was actually discovered under the commission of Augustus the Strong in the city of Dresden. The first porcelain-producing factory, however, was begun fifteen miles away in the city of Meissen, in 1710. However, as Dresden was a vital cultural and economic center of Saxony, most Meissen china was sold there. As a result, much Meissen china and figurines, characterized by the blue cross-swords stamp, were mistakenly referred to as “Dresden.” Modern day collectors, however, distinguish Meissen from the china produced by decorators in the city of Dresden beginning in the 19th century, which generally bear a blue crown stamp or other related mark. While the work of Dresden decorators often rivaled that produced in Meissen, no actual porcelain was produced in Dresden. That aspect of the process, at least, remained the exclusive pride of Meissen factories. Dresden china is often described as “rococo revival” style. Rococo comes from the French word “rocaille” meaning rock work or grotto work, and refers to the artificial grottoes used in French gardens that were decorated with irregularly shaped stones and seashells. Originally popular during the renaissance, rococo experienced a revival during the 19th century, touching virtually all aspects of interior design. Dresden decorators were the first and most successful to employ this style on dinnerware, characterized by elaborate fanciful design and a profusion of foliage, flowers, fruits, shells and scrolls.   « Less

A wonderful antique lantern, suitable for either interior or exterior use, and dating from the 1930’s. This pendant light begins with an elegant leaf-and-dart canopy,  More »

A wonderful antique lantern, suitable for either interior or exterior use, and dating from the 1930’s. This pendant light begins with an elegant leaf-and-dart canopy, descending in a chain to a loop finial atop a hexagonal roof. The roof is ornamented with stars separated by torsade detail. The six panels of the lantern are separated by rope borders, and a stylized fleur-de-lis below. The lantern features a textured amber glass. This light fixture is in excellent condition; it has been professionally rewired and comes with all the necessary attachments for modern installation. The glass is also in excellent condition with no cracks or breaks, just the expected fleabites around the edges. The lantern body is 10” wide and 11-1/2” tall, and the fixture is 26” long overall. NC1149-RW   « Less

Limited Edition Wedgwood Roses of Royalty Bowl We have a lovely Limited Edition Wedgwood Roses of Royalty Bowl measuring 8 inches diameter 4.50 inches tall. Stamped  More »

Limited Edition Wedgwood Roses of Royalty Bowl We have a lovely Limited Edition Wedgwood Roses of Royalty Bowl measuring 8 inches diameter 4.50 inches tall. Stamped WEDGWOOD, MADE IN ENGLAND and in good condition. RETIRED and have not been produced for many years. Josiah Wedgwood worked with the established potter Thomas Whieldon until 1759 when relatives leased him the Ivy House in Burslem, allowing him to start his own pottery business. The launch of the new venture was helped by his marriage to a remote cousin Sarah (also Wedgwood) who brought a sizeable dowry with her. In 1765, Wedgwood created a new earthenware form which impressed the then English Queen consort Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz who gave permission to call it "Queen's Ware"; this new form sold extremely well across Europe. The following year Wedgwood bought Etruria, a large Staffordshire estate, as both home and factory site. Wedgwood developed a number of further industrial innovations for his company, notably a way of measuring kiln temperatures accurately and new ware types Black Basalt and Jasper Ware. Wedgwood's most famous ware is jasperware. It was created to look like ancient cameo glass. It was inspired by the Portland Vase, a Roman vessel which is now a museum piece.. (The first jasperware colour was Portland Blue, an innovation that required experiments with more than 3,000 samples). In recognition of the importance of his pyrometer, Josiah Wedgwood was elected a member of the Royal Society in 1783. Today, the Wedgwood Prestige collection sells replicas of some of the original designs as well as modern neo-classical style jasperware.   « Less

An excellent antique cast brass beaded doorknob and matching doorplate in Sargent’s Louis XIV “Calvi” design, c. 1910. The set features a beaded,  More »

An excellent antique cast brass beaded doorknob and matching doorplate in Sargent’s Louis XIV “Calvi” design, c. 1910. The set features a beaded, oversized entry knob, and a sturdy cast brass backplate with a beaded border and a flower in each corner. The door knob takes a 3/8” spindle. The escutcheon plate is 3” wide and 10-1/2” long, and the doorknob is 2-1/2” in diameter and 2-1/4” deep. NDKS123   « Less

Rare & Early 18th Century Derby “Pair of Imari Snuff Bottles” What an impressive Rare & Early 18th Century Derby “Pair of Imari Snuff Bottles.”  More »

Rare & Early 18th Century Derby “Pair of Imari Snuff Bottles” What an impressive Rare & Early 18th Century Derby “Pair of Imari Snuff Bottles.” These bottles are 3.50 inches tall and 3 inches in diameter and is in good condition with the exception of one spot ( look at the images ) and with normal sign of use and little discoloration that can be bleached out. The Derby Porcelain Company is a porcelain manufacturer, based in Derby, England. The company, particularly known for its high-quality bone china, has produced tableware and ornamental items since approximately 1750. In 1745 André Planché, a Huguenot immigrant from Saxony, settled in Derby, where between 1747 and 1755 he made soft-paste porcelain vases and figurines. At the beginning of 1756 he formed a business partnership with William Duesbury (1725 — 1786), a porcelain painter formerly at Chelsea porcelain factory and Longton Hall, and the banker John Heath. This was the foundation of the Derby company, although production at the works at Cockpit Hill, just outside the town, had begun before then, as evidenced by a creamware jug dated 1750, also in the possession of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Planché disappeared from the scene almost at once, and the business was developed by Duesbury and Heath, and later Duesbury alone. A talented entrepreneur, Duesbury developed a new paste which contained glass frit, soaprock and calcined bone. This enabled the factory to begin producing high-quality tableware. He quickly established Derby as a leading manufacturer of dinner services and figurines by employing the best talents available for modelling and painting. Figure painting was done by Richard Askew, particularly skilled at painting cupids, and James Banford. Zachariah Boreman and John Brewer painted landscapes, still-lifes, and pastorals. Intricate floral patterns were designed and painted by William Billingsley. In 1770, Duesbury further increased the already high reputation of Derby by his acquisition of the famous Chelsea porcelain factory in London. He operated it on its original site until 1784 (the products of this period are known as “Chelsea-Derby”), when he demolished the buildings and transferred the assets, including the stock, patterns and moulds, and many of the workmen, to Derby. Again, in 1776, he acquired the remainder of the formerly prestigious Bow porcelain factory, of which he also transferred the portable elements to Derby. In 1773, Duesbury’s hard work was rewarded by King George III, who after visiting the Derby works granted him permission to incorporate the royal crown into the Derby backstamp, after which the company was known as Crown Derby. In 1786, William Duesbury died, leaving the company to his son, William Duesbury II, also a talented director, who besides keeping the reputation of the company at its height developed a number of new glazes and body types.   « Less

A fabulous antique iron five-light chandelier with shields, dating from the 1920’s. Still in its original finish, this Spanish Revival chandelier begins with a  More »

A fabulous antique iron five-light chandelier with shields, dating from the 1920’s. Still in its original finish, this Spanish Revival chandelier begins with a beautifully detailed loop finial, with a body formed of five wrought iron bands. The bands are connected at the middle of the chandelier by crests surrounded with hammered leaves and volutes. Below, five chandelier arms support cast iron bobeches. The chandelier finishes in a diamond-shaped finial with a leaf in the center. This light fixture is in excellent condition; it has been professionally rewired and comes with all the necessary attachments for modern installation. The chandelier body measures 17” wide and 21” tall, and the fixture is 35-1/2” long overall. NC1150-RW   « Less

Outstanding Vista Alegre-Mottahedeh Lowestoft Floral Vase Here we are offering a Outstanding Vista Alegre-Mottahedeh Lowestoft Floral Vase marked, as many shown. The  More »

Outstanding Vista Alegre-Mottahedeh Lowestoft Floral Vase Here we are offering a Outstanding Vista Alegre-Mottahedeh Lowestoft Floral Vase marked, as many shown. The Vase measures 9 inches high and 3.75 inches widest and 3.25 inch deep. The vase is in good condition. During the second half of the 18th century a factory in Crown Street produced soft-paste porcelain ware. Items still exist, and there are collections at the museum in Nicholas Everett Park, Oulton Broad, and at the Castle Museum, Norwich. The factory produced experimental wares in 1756 and first advertised their porcelain in 1760.Lowestoft collectors divide the factory's products into three distinct periods, Early Lowestoft circa 1756 to 1761, Middle-Period circa 1761 to 1768 and Late-Period circa 1768 to the closure of the factory in 1799. During the early period wares decorated with Chinese-inspired scenes (Chinoiserie) in underglaze blue were produced. This type of decoration continued throughout the life of the factory but scenes were gradually simplified. Overglaze colors were used from about 1765.   « Less

Charming Edme Samson “Lowestoft Ink Well” What a great find, a French porcelain ink stand by the famous Paris firm of Samson & Company. Rare and outstanding  More »

Charming Edme Samson “Lowestoft Ink Well” What a great find, a French porcelain ink stand by the famous Paris firm of Samson & Company. Rare and outstanding example of the Lowestoft Pattern with hand decorated enamel pattern often called “Chinese Lowestoft” and heavy gold trim. Marked on bottom as shown with typical pseudo-oriental style painted symbol and a gold crown. This is from the period 1859—1870 or earlier. This lovely Desk item measures about 4.25 inches diameter with the insert (no lid) and height is about 1.50 inches to top of inkwell. This was found in very good, condition with some wear to gold trim and enamel from normal use. Samson began his career by making service and set piece replacements in the late 1830's. In 1845 he opened the ceramics firm Samson, Edmé et Cie at 7, Rue Vendôme (later Rue Béranger) in Paris, with the intention of supplying reproductions of ceramics on display in museums and private collections. The factory was moved to Montreuil, Seine-Saint-Denis in 1864 by Samson's son, Emile Samson (1837—1913). The firm either drew inspiration from other factories, or directly copied their pieces. Designs from the factories of Meissen, Serves, Chelsea, and Derby were among the reproductions Samson, Edmé et Cie produced, along with designs copied from and all the major factories of England, France and Germany. During the eighteenth century, the market for fine china was considerable and Sampson's firm reproduced ceramics in a breadth of styles including the faience and majolica types of Italian pottery, Persian style dishes, Hispano-Moresque pottery (a blending of Islamic and European motifs, produced during the 13th to 15th centuries), plates in the Fitz Hugh pattern, as well as plates designed by his fellow Frenchmen, Bernard Palissy. Another frequent style copied by the Samson firm was the famille rose and famille verte styles produced in China between 1720 and 1790. Imari wares, named for the Japanese port where a type of richly decorated porcelain made at Arita was shipped, were also copied by Samson.   « Less