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Capodimonte Animal Sculptures

Italian

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 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 on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Capodimonte
Capodimonte Old English Sheepdog Hand-Painted Porcelain Figurine
By Capodimonte
Located in Bochum, NRW
Beautiful, old English sheepdog hand-painted porcelain figurine made by Capodimonte, Italy. Handmade and hand painted. Original manufacturer lab...
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Capodimonte, 19th Century Italian Pair of Majolica Griffons
By Capodimonte
Located in North Miami, FL
Capodimonte 19th Century Italian opposing pair of majolica crowned and winged griffon figures. Both are signed on the bottom base with the signature used from 1771 - 1834. Each featured grasping a shield with painted griffin motifs...
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Italian Large Capodimonte Hand Painted Camel Porcelain, 1950s
By Capodimonte
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Stunning rare large Capodimonte hand painted porcelain sculpture. Capodimonte porcelain is a type of Italian porcelain that originated in Naples in the mid-18th century. It is known...
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1950s Italian Art Deco Vintage Capodimonte Animal Sculptures

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Art Deco Figurine of 'Mata Hari' by Capodimonte / Naples Porcelain Company
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Art Deco Figurine of 'Mata Hari' by Capodimonte / Naples Porcelain Company Italy, circa 1925 An exceptional work, displaying grace and movement, subtly hand- painted. The seductive turban and gold earring wearing dancer draped in a White and Iron-Red Moon and Star motif garment, on a tasseled pillow. Hence our Mata Hari, attribution/suggestion. The name Mata Hari, is a Malay expression for the sun. Literally meaning “eye of the day"/ dawn of the day' This exquisite figure, depicts the The dancer (Mata Hari ?) as the sun-wearing the moon and stars. Marked with the variation Blue underglaze Crown & N. In remarkable well cared for condition, some minor wear to the gilt. The figurine stands...
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Capodimonte, Cabinet Cup & Saucer - Hand Painted/Gilded, Unsigned, 20th C
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Made in Italy, 1960s. This scene sculpted by Carlo Mollica recalls the mythological figures of Leda and the Swan (Zeus). It is made in polychromed porcel...
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Antique Capodimonte Porcelain Table Snuff or Dresser Box
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Charming Pair of Austrian 19th Century Polychromed Majolica Wall Sculptures
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Miniature Italian Chick Porcelain Capodimonte Circa 1880
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Capodimonte Large Siamese Cat
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Capodimonte Large Siamese Cat
Capodimonte Large Siamese Cat
H 18.9 in W 9.85 in D 10.63 in

Capodimonte animal sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Capodimonte animal sculptures are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of porcelain and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Capodimonte animal sculptures, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original animal sculptures by Capodimonte were created in the mid-century modern style in italy during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider animal sculptures by Ugo Zaccagnini, Gino Cenedese, and Alessandro Pianon. Prices for Capodimonte animal sculptures can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $110 and can go as high as $9,950, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,853.
Questions About Capodimonte Animal Sculptures
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    Capodimonte's style is regal and opulent, though it has varied over the years. Early pieces from the celebrated Italian porcelain manufacturer often reflect Rococo design sensibilities, with organic motifs rendered in soft colors. As trends changed, so did the look of Capodimonte porcelain, which skewed Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco over the years that followed. Capodiomonte has also looked beyond its native Italy for inspiration, producing porcelain ware that reflects Japanese and ancient Roman decorative techniques. Shop a wide range of Capdodimonte porcelain on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    Yes, Capodimonte pieces may be worth money. Early examples of 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 and are sought by collectors. The value of a particular item depends on its style, age and condition, as well as supply and demand in the marketplace. To get a better estimate of the value of your piece, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer. Explore a wide range of Capodimonte decorative objects on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    To identify rare Capodimonte marks, use trusted online resources as a guide. Generally, the oldest pieces produced by the Italian maker during the mid-18th century are the rarest. During this period, Capodimonte typically used only its original blue fleur-de-lis logo as a mark. On reputable websites, you can find images of this mark and others used by the porcelain manufacturer over the years. If you need assistance identifying a particular piece, enlist the help of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer. Explore a range of Capodimonte porcelain ware on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    What the Capodimonte mark looks like has changed over the years. From 1743 through 1771, variations of the fleur-de-lis were the most common markings. From 1830 to 1967, the Italian maker generally used a letter N or G positioned beneath a crown. From 1967 onward, pieces generally displayed an impressed IPA stamp and a back stamp with a crowned letter N, the IPA lettering and the brand name. You can consult trusted online resources to see images of Capodimonte stamps from various eras. Additionally, you may wish to work with an antiques dealer to verify the age and authenticity of your porcelain. Find a collection of Capodimonte pieces on 1stDibs.

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