help identifying this old chinese Flower vase red mark

[micaela]

Hi, Please help with the identify of the mark of this beautiful flower vase. Red mark stamp on base.
Regards
Mica

[Ipcress]

I've seen this mark on a few things. Some think it's just a generic mark for health, happiness etc which was used by a trading or export company.

However, i've also seen it on French porcelain by Samson - top quality reproductions of other countries finest porcelain.

( his bio here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edm%C3%A9_Samson )

Not sure how old it is as i'm in the garden and there's glare on my screen !

[micaela]

[Mat]

Hi, I am quite sure that Ipcress is right. This looks like a Samson mark to me and would date the vase to the late 19th century, I believe. Mat

[Ipcress]

I had a Google earlier to check some Samson marks and there's a theory these are by a company called Porcelaine De Paris. They've always been referred to as Samson as far as i can recall

The mark on this vase being similar to the bottom left mark in this image




The vase isn't Chinese, anyway !