Pair of Covered Urns in the Moustiers Style - Samson Atelier Late 19th Century- 14¼"

A sculptural, richly ornamented pair of ceramic covered urns, probably Samson, Paris, late 19th century, in the style of 18th-century Moustiers faience after Olérys. Of generous baluster form, each is surmounted by a domed cover with a knop finial. The white ground is finely hand-painted with trailing floral garlands and central mythological scenes within cartouches, rendered in luminous ochre, leaf green, cobalt, and touches of manganese. Each urn is fitted with applied handles in the form of bearded satyr mascarons, drawing on the Italian Renaissance tradition. Both are in very good condition, with bright glaze and crisp decoration.

They are signed under the base with what is likely an apocryphal or decorative mark applied in the Samson workshop in the late 19th century. Founded in Paris in 1845 by Edmé Samson (1810–1891) and continued by his successors into the early 20th century, Samson & Cie became renowned for its scholarly reinterpretations of earlier European ceramics. The firm combined close study of historic wares with highly accomplished craftsmanship, producing faience and porcelain of impressive quality that faithfully evoked 17th- and 18th-century models. 

As a pair, they bring refined symmetry to a mantel or console, gracefully flanking a painting or mirror, while also integrating seamlessly into a collection of ceramic apothecary jars for a richly layered, curated effect.