(pronunciation: cap-o-dee-mont-i, emphasis on cap)
Capodimonte is more a style than a particular manufacturer. See the history section below for more information on the original company.
If this porcelain was painted gold, it would be the epitome of Rococo. Fully blooming roses abound, putti (naked or near-naked babies), swirls and curlicues, gold accents, daisies, iris, doves, swans, various fruits, it’s all here. In size the items range from small bowls and candlesticks right up to chandeliers, grandfather clocks, and plant stands with matching planter.
The basic body is white, and medium strength glazes are used to color flowers, fruit, ribbons, and the costumes on the figures. Gold is added on some of the pieces.
In a display of Capodimonte you will see baskets with flowers; wishing wells with flowers; elephants with howdahs full of flowers; picture frames filled with flowers; clocks, lamps, candlesticks, vases, ewers, pitchers with flowers as decoration; sofas and chairs full of flowers; chariots full of flowers, etc.
Figures include the pair on the front of the Titanic, various other couples, Napoleon, Moses, nativity figures, angels, clowns, women in period costumes, couples in sleighs, gondolas and carriages, and a lawyer (go figure).
Actually, if you have never seen this style, you need to. It is an education in the possibilities of porcelain. Delicate flower petals are made and added to each piece by hand. Lace, ribbons and swags of material are replicated in porcelain. It is a good show of the delicacy that can be achieved with porcelain in the hands of a craftsman.
Old Capo di Monte exists and is available through antique dealers. You must educate yourself and work with reputable dealers if you want to collect antique items of true Capo di Monte porcelain.
Chinese Capodimonte is a recognized product today. If you like the piece, source may not be a factor to you. You must judge modern items based on the quality of the product and who you are buying it from. I would take any guarantee of origin with a grain of salt unless you know the seller. I would recommend a return policy in writing and time to judge the item if you are paying a premium price. Make sure you do not ding it while you have it, or its yours for keeps.
To see Capodimonte listings on eBay, go to my Squidoo lens on the subject.
My opinion: Way overdone to my taste. You are not going to find one in my house.
Prices for new products: single flowers run about $50, a few small, relatively simple figures are priced below that. The more complicated pieces run from $100 to $1000.
Collector’s Society: none that I could find. As these are not the production of a single manufacturer, it is unlikely to happen.
No official company site. See http://www.capodimonteusa.com/ for Capodimonte in the US, http://www.capodimonte-ltd.com/ for Capodimonte in the UK.
History
The Capo di Monte porcelain company was established in the early 18th century in what was then the Kingdom of Naples. It was started by Charles of Bourbon to determine the way in which Meissen porcelain was made and to become a competitor of that company. Finding the secret of hard-paste porcelain took some time, but finally a porcelain body was available. The royal Factory produced fine dinnerware and ornaments for 64 years. The mark on the products of this company is a rondel with a fleur-de-lys, either impressed or in blue glaze. A second porcelain company existed under the royal patronage of Ferdinand IV from 1771 to 1806. It used a trade mark of a crown over a capital N in blue glaze. Since the closing of these original factories, the marks has been used or adapted by other manufacturers in Italy, and various firms produce the characteristic flower encrusted items to this day.
Read about Capodimonte porcelain values.
Go to the Table of Contents to see all the topics covered so far.
Read more about porcelain collectibles.
We have two 2-ft. high Grecian figurines –all white porcelain–exquisite, that were sold to the family in 1908 as capodi monte figurines of special value because they were made at a time when the factory did not yet use color. We want to sell them or donate them to a museum. what could they be? Are they of value?
Many porcelain makers have a line of all white porcelains at some time in their history. I would suggest finding a member of the National Association of Appraisers. There may be one near you, or you might be able to work with someone over the internet. He or she should be able to tell you whether a full appraisal is worthwhile after a quick inspection or a few detailed photos. Make sure to send dimensions and pictures of any maker’s marks. A full appraisal will cost some money, but then you will know what you have. If you get one, let me know how it turns out.
how can you tell how old your capodimonte is. I have a 3 piece, 2 vases and center piece. Under the one vase it has 258/A Italy and the other vase has 258/B Italy and the center piece has 5/6 Italy. They have cherubs with flowers. Just wantd to know if you had any info on them or where can I get info on them.
Unfortunately, you will need to find someone really into porcelain and Capodimonte to tell you about your pieces. Wish I could help.