A Fine Samson Paris Armorial Porcelain Jardinière, Circa 1880 Description A finely decorated French porcelain jardinière, attributed to the Samson factory of Paris and dating to circa 1880. The body is richly painted in the Chinese export style with gilt and iron-red friezes of intertwined lotus scrolls, flowering cups, fruits, fans and decorative cartouches featuring intertwined double “L” motifs supporting floral devices. The jardinière is further embellished with two moulded lion-mask handles to the sides. Prominently displayed on opposing sides are two noble armorial coats of arms, executed in polychrome enamels and gilt, reflecting the European fascination with Chinese armorial porcelain during the 18th century and the revival of these designs by Samson in the late 19th century. A decorative and impressive example of Samson’s celebrated reproductions of Chinese export porcelain