The New World: Samson's Faience Basin of America

Object: Shallow Basin (Bassinet)
Origin: Paris, France
Maker: Edmé Samson et Cie (Circa 1885)
Original Model: Clérissy Workshop, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, France (18th Century)
Medium: Tin-Glazed Earthenware (Faience), Hand-Painted (Puce)

Dimensions: Diameter 17 1/2 inches x 2 1/2 inches deep.

This imposing large tin-glazed earthenware basin is a superb example of the skill and ambition of Edmé Samson et Cie, the Parisian firm renowned for creating masterworks of ceramic pastiche during the late 19th century. Far from mere copies, Samson's pieces were an homage to the history of ceramics, and this basin specifically replicates the highly sought-after work of the Clérissy workshop in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie from the 18th century.

The Iconography of America

The decoration itself is a fascinating reflection of 1th8-century European exoticism. Painted in a rich puce monochrome, the scene depicts America as a land of fantasy, populated by idealized American Indians and surrounded by grotesques, mythical beasts, and exotic birds. These fantastical scenes, popular in the original Moustiers production, satisfied the European appetite for Chinoiserie and Exoticism, allowing the owner to bring the marvels of the New World into their domestic space.

Samson's Revival of Faience

The choice of faience (French tin-glazed earthenware) demonstrates Samson's commitment to historic accuracy. By the late 19th century, Samson was instrumental in reviving interest in this medium, which had fallen out of fashion following the rise of English Creamware and true porcelain. This basin, made more than 100 years after the original, is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Moustiers style and Samson's ability to perfectly recapture its form, glaze, and decoration. Its large, lobed form and detailed decoration mark it as a high-status decorative object for the Victorian interior.

References

Victoria & Albert Museum, London: An example of Samson's tin-glazed earthenware work from 1889 is accessioned as Museum number: 51&A-1890 (Gallery location: Ceramics Study Galleries, Britain & Europe, room 139).

Samson, Edmé. L'Art Céramique dans ses Applications Décoratives (General publications on Samson's works).

(Ref: ny7613-nurr)


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Great condition

Dimensions:
Height: 2.25 in.
Width: 17.5 in.
Depth: 17.5 in.

Category: Serving Dishes & Pieces
Origin: France
Materials: Faience
Creator: Brand: Samson & Cie

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Location: This item ships from Downingtown, PA

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Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Great condition