Edmé Samson (1810-1891) was founder of the French porcelain company bearing his name.  Samson porcelain copied or produced imitations of 18th century European, Chinese and Japanese designs.  During the 19th century, the market for antique fine china exploded as did the Samson factory production.  Some of the ways a Samson piece might be distinguished from the originals are the use of hard-paste rather than soft paste porcelain, glossier finishes, heavier decoration and color variances.  Samson pieces were often marked, but not always.

 

Chinoiserie is a European decorative art style that emerged in the late 17th century characterized by a fascination with and imitation of Chinese design and culture.  Motifs from Chinese art were liberally applied to ceramics, wallpaper and furniture.  Chinoiserie elements include fretwork, pagodas, birds, landscapes, and rivers, among others. Anything Chinoiserie was seen as a symbol of exotic elegance and sophistication. The style had a significant impact on Western design and influenced subsequent styles including Art Nouveau.