Capodimonte Porcelain Flowers, Vases and Figurines

Written 7 May , 2010

Capodimonte is elegant porcelain manufactured by the Capodimonte porcelain factory which was founded in 1743 in Naples. The company is world-renowned for its porcelain figurines and artistically sculpted flowers which adorns vases and cups. The capodimonte vases were made to equal or even surpass Meissen porcelain.

The first pieces were produced at the Royal Factory in Naples from 1759 to 1780. The Capodimonte trademark came to be associated with the highest grade Italian porcelain and ceramics to be found during that period.

The business started when Naple’s King Charles married Maria Amalia. The king developed an interest in porcelain through Maria Amalia’s family. This interest led to long years of passionate research and experiments before the Royal Factory was established.

During Napoleon’s reign, a great change in the production of porcelain wares took place. The functional royal table pieces didn’t impress the French monarch and due to this, production took a new direction through the creation of decorative capodimonte vases and other magnificent objects aimed more for the rising middle-class.

This became the genuine birth of the world-famous signature called “Capodimonte”. Capodimonte finally became synonymous with vases, cups and other artworks with floral designs, all handcrafted by the best Italian artisans that paved the way for the first artisan manufactory.

The life-like capodimonte porcelain flowers look so breathtakingly real that it is virtually impossible to know the difference without touching them. The flower may feature calla lilies or roses with silken leaves and a pliable stem. Sculpted porcelain capodimonte flowers of jonquil and daffodils can be proud adornments on tables and shelves. Long stem roses sometimes measure 7 1/2 inches long and open roses 4 1/2 inch in diameter. There are also adorable salmon-colored double porcelain rose with two leaves for added accent resting on a rock.

Collectors from around the world are enraptured by the little capodimonte flowers in porcelain which, along with the Venetian Murano glass, represent Neopolitan modern art.

Though sculptured porcelain flowers may sound interesting, these are no longer the items that Capodimonte porcelain collectors can find for sale in antique stores today. Most of the oldest artworks are now owned by museums and influential high-end collectors.

What porcelain enthusiasts will find today are figurines of various quality, mid-century electric lamps, artfully molded capodimonte porcelain flowers which are truly amazing, and decorative items produced during the 19th century. Many of these pieces are marked with a blue N underneath a crown while others are marked with a manufacturer’s hallmark.