The names Dresden, Meissen and volkstedt can be used interchangeably for the type of porcelain made in southeastern Germany’s Saxony region but each have their own marks on the bases. The Dresden factories had a blue crown base mark; the Meissen factories had two blue crossed swords.

Meissen is still in operation at present and identification services for genuine Meissen pieces. One of the distinguishing volkstedt porcelain marks is the cobalt blue mark which is always glazed over.

The factories manufactured porcelain pieces such as vases, dinnerware, boxes, basins, candlesticks, figurines and jasperware. In the mid-19th century, these volkstedt factories started manufacturing the renowned lace figurines, likewise known as the Dresden Lace. The fine lace design was achieved when real lace was immersed in soft porcelain paste and baked in a kiln. The cotton lace burned away to leave a delicate porcelain lace which, though fragile, can last for a very long time given the right amount of care.

These Dresden-styled volkstedt porcelain figurines oftentimes depict men and women of aristocracy involved in activities of the nobility such as reading, dancing, playing musical instruments and courtship. Other figurines depict simpler themes such as birds, animals and dock scenes.

One of these porcelain factories was operated by Anton Müller. His lace figurines quickly gained popularity. The Müller pieces can be distinguished by his volkstedt porcelain marks – a crown above the initials “MV” (Müller-Volkstedt). Müller’s business developed and was soon exporting around the world, along with some of the older factories which have continued to this day.

Müller-Volkstedt faced more hardships in the 20th century than the earlier factories. Their porcelain factory was totally demolished as a result of Allied carpet bombing raids during World War II. Anton Müller died at this time and it was Johanna Saar, Müller’s niece, who was able to save some of the first original molds and rebuilt her uncle’s factory after the war.

The Saars then moved the family operation to Limerick, Ireland where their factory known as ‘Irish Dresden” continues to manufacture stunning porcelain pieces today.

Posted by Han Palace – Porcelain, Vases and Candles

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.

Posted by Han Palace – Porcelain, Vases and Candles