If success is measured by lasting name recognition, Capodimonte porcelain would seem to be in the same league as such makers as Meissen, Sèvres and Wedgwood. Early examples of Capodimonte lamps — as well as the Italian manufacturer’s celebrated porcelain vases, figurines and sculptures — can be hard to come by, but the best later pieces possess the same over-the-top charm.
The Real Fabbrica (“royal factory”) di Capodimonte hasn’t actually produced porcelain since the early 19th century, when Charles’s son Ferdinand sold it. Although secondary manufacturers have built upon the aesthetic and kept the name alive, some connoisseurs of the royal product feel these pieces should be labeled “in the style of” Capodimonte.
The timeline of royal Capodimonte porcelain is decidedly brief. From beginning to end, its manufacture lasted approximately 75 years. King Charles VII of Naples, who founded the manufactory in 1743, began experimenting with porcelain around 1738, the year he married Maria Amalia of Saxony. No coincidence there. His new bride was the granddaughter of Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and founder of Meissen, the first European hard-paste porcelain manufactory. Her dowry included 17 Meissen table services.
Struck by porcelain fever, Charles built a dedicated facility on top of a hill (capo di monte) overlooking Naples. He financed expeditions to search for the right clay. He hired chemists and artisans to experiment. His earliest successes were small white snuffboxes and vases, although efforts soon progressed to full sets of tableware, decorative objects and stylized figurines of peasants and theatrical personalities.
In 1759, Charles succeeded to the throne of Spain. He moved the manufactory with him — including 40 workers and 4 tons of clay — and continued operations in Madrid. Twelve years later, his son Ferdinand IV, who inherited the throne of Naples, built a new factory there that became known for distinctly rococo designs.
The Napoleonic wars interrupted production, and around 1807, oversight of the royal factories was transferred to a franchisee named Giovanni Poulard-Prad.
Beginning in the mid-18th century, porcelain made by Charles’s factory was stamped with a fleur-de-lis, usually in underglaze blue. Pieces from Ferdinand’s were stamped with a Neapolitan N topped by a crown. When secondary manufacturers began production, they retained this mark, in multiple variations. The value of these later 19th- and 20th-century pieces is determined by the quality, not the Capodimonte porcelain marks.
Find antique and vintage Capodimonte porcelain for sale on 1stDibs.
$120Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 5 in Dm 2.75 in
Antique Capodimonte Porcelain Cherubs, Hand-Painted, Italy, 1920s
By Capodimonte
Located in New Orleans, LA
A pair of lovely figures of young children with beautiful hand painted facial features. One holds a bell and is leaning on a tree stump base and the other child with floral leaves. S...
Porcelain
$7,656
H 12.21 in W 5.52 in D 3.94 in
19th Century, Pair of French Porcelain Sculptures Depicting Cupid and Psyche
Located in IT
19th century, pair of French polychrome porcelain sculptures depicting cupid and psyche The delicious sculptures, made of hand-painted porcelain in polychrome, in Strasbourg in th...
Porcelain
Pair of Antique Italian Baroque Revival Putti
Located in Calgary, Alberta
A fine pair of carved and polychrome-painted Baroque style wooden putti. Each putto is seated on a gilt and scrolled pedestal base. One holds a lute, the other a shawm, both with swe...
Wood
$7,800 / set
H 46 in W 14 in D 12 in
Large Pair Italian 18th Century Polychrome and Giltwood Cherub / Angels
Located in Bradenton, FL
Quite a stunning pair of Italian standing cherub or Angel carvings from the 18th century. Standing at almost 4 feet tall, the pair are quite large and realistic. Very impressive. Wit...
Giltwood
$108Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 3 in W 1 in D 1.25 in
Capodimonte Glazed White Parian Porcelain Cherubs
By Capodimonte
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a pair of Capodimonte glazed white Parian porcelain nude cherubs who are playing with some gilt round small balls. Both of them are standing n...
Porcelain
$4,476
H 6.49 in W 6.37 in D 3.54 in
Meissen Rococo Cherubs Cupids Figurines with Flowers Model 2372 Kaendler 1755-60
By Johann Joachim Kaendler
Located in Vienna, AT
Meissen lovely figurines of stunning appearance: cherubs with flowers model 2372 SIZE: height: 6.49 inches (= 16.5 cm) width: 6.37 inches (= 16.2 cm) depth: 3.54 inches (= 9.0 cm) Manufactory: Meissen Hallmarked: Blue Meissen Sword Mark of middle of 18th century dimly visible at reverse side (glazed bottom). It is model 2372 (model number isn't visible here). FIRST QUALITY Dating: 18th century / made, circa 1755 - 60 (Pre-marcolini period !) Material: porcelain, glossy finish, multicolored painted Technique: handmade porcelain Style: Rococo Modelled by: Johann Joachim Kaendler (born in 1706 near Dresden / Germany - died 1775 in Meissen) and assistants. Model 2372 created circa 1755. Kaendler was chief sculptor at Meissen manufactory as from 1742 until the year 1775. He is the most famous modeller Meissen manufactory ever had and created well-known series such as Shepherd Figurines, Comedian's Children, Gardener Children (with Acier), Paris Town Criers (with Reinicke and Meyer), Gallant Figurines, Asian Figurines etc. Subject: A figurines' group of two male winged...
Porcelain
German Group Porcelain Of A Pair of Grapes Harvest Cherubs
By A&E Muller Schwarza Saale
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a German Porcelain Group Sculpture of a Pair of Grapes Harvest Cherubs or Putti. It depicts a bisque white porcelain of two semi nude ch...
Porcelain
$4,941 / set
H 7.09 in W 2.37 in D 2.37 in
Christimas cherubs in Nymphenburg porcelain hand crafted and hand painted
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in München, Bavaria
Nymphenburg is the porcelain manufactory of the Bavarian royal family. These cherubs are hand crafted and hand painted in Nymphenburg by artisians with execellent expertise. They are...
Porcelain
$2,238 / set
H 11.03 in W 20.48 in D 7.88 in
Pair of Hand-Carved Polychrome Gilt Wood Cherubs, Italy, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
This pair of cherub sculptures was hand carved in Italy during the 19th century and executed in polychrome wood with gold leaf details. The figures represent traditional cherubs, a r...
Gold Leaf
$1,895 / set
H 8 in W 7 in D 8 in
Early 20th Century German Neoclassical Porcelain Putti Compotes, Pair
Located in Elkhart, IN
A remarkable pair of early-20th-century German porcelain compotes, each modeled with a sculptural putto supporting a deeply scalloped flower-f...
Porcelain
Porcelain Figurative Sculpture Representing Two Little Angels, Putti
Located in Antwerp, BE
Handmade porcelain sculpture depicting two winged angels, a pair of fine putti. Height 35 cm.
Porcelain
Capodimonte Style Porcelain Candelabra, Cherubs & Floral Design, Italy
By Capodimonte
Located in Antwerp, BE
Italian Capodimonte style Candelabra in porcelainporcelain with 5 lights and 2 figures.Very elaborated with cherubs and loads delicated applied flowers and fruits.Minor restauration.
Porcelain
Pair of 19th Century Capodimonte Porcelain Urns Vazes with Mythological Reliefs
By Capodimonte
Located in Antwerp, BE
Pair of 19th Century Capodimonte Porcelain Urns with Mythological Reliefs A striking pair of monumental 19th century Capodimonte porcelain vases, richly decorated with mythological ...
Porcelain
19th Century Viennese Porcelain Figural Cherub Jardinière or Centrepiece Bowl
Located in Antwerp, BE
This item is a big 19th century Viennese porcelain centerpiece bowl or jardinière beautifully enameled in rich colors with floral sprays and gilt highlights. This stunning Rococo pie...
Porcelain
Two Vintage Capodimonte Porcelain Floral Cherub Wall Mirror Dresden
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage Capodimonte porcelain framed wall mirror; with gilded accents,and elaborately decorated with a variety of delicately crafted flowers and cherub perched on the corners. There...
Porcelain, Mirror
Porcelain Figural Cherub Jardinière or Centrepiece Bowl
Located in Antwerp, BE
This item is a 19th century porcelain centerpiece bowl or jardinière beautifully enameled in rich colors with floral sprays and gilt highlights. This stunning Rococo piece also featu...
Porcelain
