Capodimonte Porcelain

The original porcelain factory were started in the Capodimonte region of Italy in the early 18th century. At that time, the area was part of the Kingdom of Naples. Charles of Bourbon wanted to create some competition for the Meissen Porcelain in Saxony (now Germany). It took some time to determine the best recipe for porcelain using local raw materials, but once that problem was worked out, production began. The royal factory produced dinnerware and ornaments for 64 years. The production of the royal factory was marked with an impressed or blue rondel containing a fleur-de-lys Other factories were established nearby, during and after the royal factory was in production. The number and varying success of the factories, and the adaptation of each others manufacturers marks on most of the porcelain make this a collectible for the knowledgeable.

Unless of course you buy what you like and find reasonable in price. The eBay module below shows Capodimonte at reasonable prices. This is Capodimonte as defined by the general public

The earliest Capo di Monte had a fine white translucent quality. Today, Capodimonte is still a very white body. Glazes of both soft and medium tones are used to color the flowers in true-to-life fashion. Animal and bird figurines are also glazed to be realistic. Stronger colors are used in the costumes of figures if needed.

Many figurines in period costumes are produced in the Capodimonte region. Real lace is dipped in liquid clay (slip) and added to the figurine. When fired, the original lace burns away and the porcelain lace remains in exquisite detail. Layers and layers of lace are added to some figurines to produce frilly skirts. These are sometimes partially covered by a skirt painted to resemble satin, or left uncovered to resemble tulle, as in the tu-tus of ballerinas.

Chinese Capodimonte is a recognized product within the porcelain world. Good or bad, Chinese replicas and original designs have joined the Capodimonte classification of porcelain. Just as there are better and not-so-good makers of Capodimonte in Italy and elsewhere, there are good and not-so-good makers of porcelain in the Capodimonte style in China and other countries. I would expect the better manufactures mark their products and you can use this to identify items by the companies you prefer. If you decide to specialize in one or more makers of this porcelain, you will need to identify dealers who carry this company's items and work with them to build your collection. For a frequent customer, discounts should be available.

There are many books about porcelain, and those not specific to a particular manufacturer or narrowly defined type of porcelain will probably have at least a few words and illustrations of Capodimonte porcelain figurines. More detailed information may be found by browsing the books on porcelain at your library or bookstore. Bibliographic information from these books should point you to the best sources for information about Capodimonte porcelain. With some time and effort, you should be able to identify the books that will best satisfy your needs in this area.