Bidspirit auction | Pr Large Samson Porcelain Phoenixes

Pr Large Samson Porcelain Phoenixes ca. 1880 - Probably Samson, Paris. Pair of large phoenix modelled in the Qianlong style, ca. 1880. Each perched on rockwork with one leg raised against its chest. This pair of birds, modelled with similar proportions to late 18th century Chinese examples but with no modelling of the feathers, have more realistic rockwork. However, the painting is very different, with colors being either over-bright in some areas or faded in others and with contrasting shading and bright metallic gilding. These show all the hallmarks of conscious copying of earlier models Reference: Illustrated in David S. Howard, ”Choice of the Private Trader” (1994), p. 270. Provenance: Christie's, New York, NY, ”Fine Americana and Chinese Export Porcelain, ” May 5, 1979, Lot 167; The Distinguished Collection of Leo & Doris Hodroff. (Each) height: 22 in x width: 9 in x depth: 6 1/2 in. Condition: There are no large chips, losses, cracks, or repairs when viewed under UV light. Light wear to the footrims. Light losses to the gilt decoration. One phoenix with a small loss to the black paint of one talon. One phoenix with sticky tabs affixed to the underside and to the wooden stand.