Offered for sale is a magnificent pair of antique French gilt bronze (ormolu) and Famille Rose porcelain candelabra dating to the late 19th century.


Masterfully crafted in the Louis XVI style with elegant Chinoiserie influences, this exceptional pair exemplifies the luxurious decorative arts produced in France during the Belle Époque. Each candelabrum is centered by a beautifully decorated baluster-form porcelain vase, almost certainly produced in the manner of the renowned Paris porcelain manufacturer Edmé Samson (1810–1891) or his successors. Samson became internationally celebrated for producing museum-quality reproductions of important Chinese export porcelains, making his works highly desirable among collectors today.


Each porcelain vase is exquisitely hand-painted in the Famille Rose palette with vibrant ribbon-tied floral bouquets surrounded by flowering sprays, elaborate decorative borders, and extensive hand-applied gilt decoration. The porcelain is mounted within finely chased gilt bronze ormolu of exceptional quality, exhibiting crisp casting and remarkable attention to detail.


The candelabra stand upon elegant Louis XVI square bases with concave corners, engraved decoration, and circular pedestal supports accented with classical husk mounts. Above each vase rise three beautifully sculpted naturalistic ormolu branches adorned with delicate leaves, rosebuds, and fully opened roses. The outer blossoms cleverly serve as candle cups, creating an elegant floral composition that is both sculptural and functional.


Originally designed as candle candelabra, the pair was professionally converted to electricity sometime during the 20th century by drilling the bronze mounts. The wiring and sockets have since been removed, making them excellent candidates for professional rewiring or restoration to their original candle-burning configuration.


Nearly identical porcelain-mounted vases are currently offered by the prestigious Galerie Pellat de Villedon in Versailles, France (see final photograph), underscoring the quality, rarity, and desirability of this sophisticated design.


This outstanding pair would make a remarkable addition to any collection of French decorative arts, Edmé Samson porcelain, Chinese export reproductions, Louis XVI furnishings, ormolu bronzes, Chinoiserie, Belle Époque interiors, or grand European antiques. Equally impressive displayed on a mantel, sideboard, console, library, or within a formal dining room.


Both candelabra present beautifully and remain in very good antique condition with light wear consistent with age. The porcelain is excellent, with no visible chips, cracks, or repairs and only minor wear to the enameling and gilt decoration. The gilt bronze ormolu retains a rich, warm patina with light age-related wear. Several ormolu leaves appear to be old professional replacements. The former electrical components have been removed. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.


The candelabra will be professionally packed and shipped in two separate boxes for maximum protection and will require an adult signature upon delivery.


Dimensions (each):


* Height: Approx. 13 inches

* Width: Approx. 11.5 inches

* Depth: Approx. 4 inches

* Base: 4 inches square


Keywords: Antique French candelabra, Edmé Samson, Samson porcelain, Famille Rose, Chinese Export style, Chinoiserie, Louis XVI, gilt bronze, ormolu, bronze candelabra, Belle Époque, garniture vase, mantel garniture, French decorative arts, Versailles, luxury antiques, porcelain vase, 19th century French antiques.