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.
Capodimonte Chandelier, Italy, 1960s
By Capodimonte
Located in Antwerp, BE
Magnificent Capodimonte chandelier with six lights and three hand painted Cherubs + seven hanging roses. This one-tier porcelain chandelier has an...
Brass
Mid-Century Capodimonte Chandelier, Hand-Painted Porcelain, Italy
By Capodimonte
Located in Antwerp, BE
Magnificent Capodimonte chandelier with six lights and three hand painted Cherubs. This one-tier porcelain chandelier has an exceptional quality. ...
Brass
Capodimonte Porcelain Five Lights Chandelier with Putti and Floral Patterns
By Capodimonte
Located in Antwerp, BE
One of a kind magnificent porcelain chandelier exceptional quality crafted by the renowned Italian Capodimonte manufactory. This enchanting five lights porcelain chandelier is fully ...
Brass
Vintage Victorian Italian Capodimonte Porcelain Table Lamp with Shade
By Capodimonte
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Victorian Italian Capodimonte Porcelain Table Lamp with Shade This beautiful antique Capodimonte hand painted figurine table lamp is in great condition. It is depicting a la...
Metal
Pair of Vintage Capodimonte Figurative Ceramic Lamps with Bacchanal Scene
By Capodimonte
Located in East Quogue, NY
This stunning pair of early 20th-century Capodimonte figurative porcelain lamps is a true masterpiece of Italian artistry. These elaborately painted ceramic table lamps depict vibran...
Ceramic, Porcelain
$753Sale Price|20% Off
Pineapple Porcelain Table Lamp with Iridescent Glaze and Gold by Capodimonte
By Capodimonte
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Exclusive porcelain table lamp made by the prestigious Capodimonte in mid-20th century Italy. This piece is a truly unusual model from the renowned Italian porcelain house, hand-pain...
Porcelain
Vintage Capodimonte Porcelain Wall Sconces with Putti and Floral Pattern, 1980
By Capodimonte
Located in Bastogne, BE
Magnificent porcelain wall lamps exceptional quality crafted by the renowned Italian Capodimonte manufactory. These two lights porcelain sconces are fully decorated with hand painted putti and flowers motif rendered in soft tones with gold accents throughout. It exemplifies the Rococo style with its rich decoration. The golden details make these sconces even more precious and sophisticated. The sconces are designed to illuminate rooms, both in classical and modern style. Perfect for your entrance, your living room and your bedroom to make your house more beautiful and unique with this amazing Capodimonte chandelier or make a great gift for any occasion. Capodimonte porcelain got its name from the palace complex on one of the Neapolitan hills, where in 1743 King Charles III of Bourbon and his wife Maria Amalia...
Metal
Italian Table Lamps Capodimonte Porcelain Vintage King Tut and Cleopatra a pair
By Capodimonte, Haute Couture of Luxury Interiors, Dresden Porcelain, Italian school XX ct.
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Italian Capodimonte porcelain figural table lamps King Tut and Cleopatra Style: Mid Century, Hollywood Regency, Egyptian, Vintage, Modern Design: Capodimonte Origin: Italy, 1970s Col...
Gold Leaf
Veilleuse “Capodimonte “ Owl 1950 Italy
By Capodimonte
Located in Milano, IT
Veilleuse “Capodimonte “ Owl 1950 Italy.
Ceramic
A 1900s Neoclassical White and Gold Capodimonte Porcelain Italian Table Lamp
By Capodimonte
Located in Catania, Sicilia
The lamp features a white and gold color scheme, with intricate details including a winged female figure and elaborate scrollwork. The lamp has been manufactured in the early 1900s, ...
Porcelain
$1,177 / set
Capodimonte Ceramic Italian table lamps 1960s
By Capodimonte
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice pair of Ceramic Table lamps .Hand painted flower decor . Elegant shaped . Comes with Gold color shades. Normal E27 bulb needed . Please ask for cheaper shipments solu...
Ceramic
Porcelain Bamboo Lamp, 1960's
By Capodimonte
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Porcelain bamboo lamp and brass base. The porcelain by Capodimonte fabric in Napoli, marked. Italy, 1960's New shade. Measures: Height total: 69 cm / 27.1 in. ( adjustable heig...
Brass
Ceramica Impruneta Terracotta Floor or Table Lamp 1960s
By Capodimonte
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
The lamp features a spherical terracotta lampshade in a warm, earthy tone that is complemented by a sleek chrome base. The lampshade is designed with small perforations that create a...
Terracotta
Vintage Italian Lighting Set of Chandelier & Two Sconces, Italian Pendant Light
By Capodimonte
Located in Bastogne, BE
Rare vintage chandelier with 5 arms and a pair of wall sconces. Made of brass and art porcelain. Made in Italy. Its design is distinguished by the use of hand-painted ceramics. Fo...
Porcelain
$682Sale Price|68% Off
H 25.99 in Dm 14.97 in
Vintage Italian Ceramic Table Lamp with Doves and Bespoke Lamp Shade
Located in Herentals, BE
The lamp has a white glazed ceramic base with 4 doves on a branch and is fitted with a custom tangerine silky lampshade. It is equipped with an E 27 fitting and white cord with an on...
Ceramic, Fabric
$1,883
H 37.8 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in
Porcellane Artistiche Firence Italy Porcelain Cockatoo Lamp with Shade, 1970
Located in Rijssen, NL
Large lamp from Italy, porcelain cockatoo mounted on a polished brass frame, the height is variable, with original shade from 83 cm to 96 cm, the shade is 52 cm wide and has the sewn-in label on the inside. Height bird 47 cm. Base plate 20 cm...
Brass
Canton porcelain chandelier, gilt bronze mount, circa 1880
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Chandelier with a Chinese Canton porcelain vase with a white background and ornamentation of cherry blossom branches, three arms chiseled and gilt bronze mount and decorated in the L...
Porcelain
1960s Italian Six-Arm Chandelier
Located in Hanover, MA
1960s Italian brass chandelier with six brass arms emanating from the bottom of a central elongated hourglass form in enameled red. Even the white opaline shades have tapered waists,...
Brass
$3,019Sale Price|30% Off
H 45 in W 21 in D 21 in
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Five-Light Chandelier
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A fine Louis XVI style five-arm chandelier of gilt bronze and parcel patinated, extremely ornate with great details, France, 1880-1890. This wonderful piece is in its original condi...
Bronze
Stilnovo chandelier, Italy circa 1960s
By Stilnovo
Located in Long Island City, NY
Stillovo chandelier with 12 lights. Designed and made in Italy, 1960s Opaline three layered glass. Overall drop is adjustable. Can be made shorter. FREE US rewiring upon request. NO ...
Brass
Mid-Century Sputnik Italian chandelier
By Mazzega
Located in Budapest, HU
Sputnik space age Italian vintage crystal chandelier made by 51 multicolored glasses in a burnished brass metal frame. Elegant lighting object. Period: late XX century Dimensions: 39...
Murano Glass
$2,972Sale Price|35% Off
H 40 in Dm 15 in
19th Century Baccarat Crystal Chandelier Five-Light Chandelier
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A lovely antique Baccarat crystal electrified chandelier, gilt brass beautifully decorated with several tiers of large pendaloques in different shapes and sizes, finishing at the bot...
Crystal, Brass
$1,843Sale Price / set|38% Off
H 25.6 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
Vintage Italian Table Lamps Ceramic floral Tall Porcelain Vase Lamps - a pair
By Midcentury Italian school, Italian school XX ct., Capodimonte, Robert Kostka, English Country Antiques
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Vintage tall Italian Ceramic Porcelain Vase Table lamps Material: Ceramic, Porcelain, fabric Style: Vintage, Modernist, Oriental, Italian, Modern, Mid Century, Design: In the manner ...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Mid-Century Sputnik Italian chandelier
By Mazzega
Located in Budapest, HU
Sputnik space age Italian vintage crystal chandelier made by 51 multicolored glasses in a burnished brass metal frame. Elegant lighting object. Period: late XX century Dimensions: 39...
Murano Glass
Mid-Century Italian Murano chandelier
By Vistosi
Located in Budapest, HU
Huge Vintage Italian Murano chandelier - 87 pink alabaster disks Vintage Italian Murano chandelier in Vistosi style. The chandelier has 87 fantastic pink alabaster iridescent glasses...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
$2,250
H 23 in Dm 23 in
Wonderful Large Pineapple Form Painted White Tole Italian Mid Century Chandelier
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Large Pineapple Form Painted White Tole Italian Mid Century 6 Candelabra Light Chandelier, Ready To Install With Chain And Canopy
Tôle
Antique Porcelain Armorial Covered Urn. Capodimonte Mounted as Table Lamp
By Capodimonte
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Antique Porcelain Armorial Covered Urn. Capodimonte Mounted as Table Lamp This antique porcelain covered urn is mounted as a table lamp. Made in Italy by Capodimonte, it is hand p...
Porcelain
Rare Pair of Diminutive Capodimonte Porcelain Floral Bedside Table Lamps
By Capodimonte
Located in West Hartford, CT
This pair of Capodimonte lamps look like works of art! They feature meticulously hand crafted porcelain flowers throughout and are quite diminutive - see dimensions above. Perfect fo...
Metal
Antique Capodimonte Porcelain Figural Group Designer Lamp, Early 19th Century
By Capodimonte
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Capodimonte Porcelain figural group designer lamp Additional information: Materials: Porcelain Color: Sky Blue Brand: Capodimonte Pe...
Porcelain
Capodimonte Chandelier, Italy, 1960s
By Capodimonte
Located in Rijssen, NL
The pair of magnificent Capodimonte chandeliers with eight lights and Eleven hand painted Cherubs + eight Hanging Roses in Mother of Pearl Finish, This one-tier porcelain chandeliers have an exceptional quality. they are crafted and hand painted by the renowned Italian Capodimonte pottery...
Porcelain
Sold
H 13.8 in W 7.5 in D 4 in
1900s Set of Two Neoclassical White and Gold Capodimonte Porcelain Table Lamps
By Capodimonte
Located in Catania, Sicilia
A pair of Capodimonte ceramic table lamps made in Napoli in the early 20th Century, they look like as neoclassical candleholders, are decorated in ...
Porcelain
Pair of Large Italian 'Blanc De Chine' Figural Lamps
By Capodimonte
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A pair of large Italian “BLANC DE CHINE” Figural lamps By D. Poloviato for Capodimonte Mid 20th century. Both modelled in white-glazed ceramic in continental chinoiserie style, wearing chinese robes...
Porcelain
Monumental Pair of Porcelain Capodimonte Table Lamps
By Capodimonte
Located in South Charleston, WV
Large and uncommon Capodimonte. Produced between 1920 and 1950. Each lamp measures 35” tall, 9” wide and 8” deep. The ceramic porcelain component are each 16” tall, 6” deep and 7” wi...
Brass
Sold
H 21.26 in Dm 11.82 in
20th Century Italian Porcelain Table Lamp Decorated with Flowers, Set of 2
By Capodimonte
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Beautiful and refined Italian pair of table lamps. This chandelier is a masterpiece of the manufacture of Cpodimonte made entirely of ceramic and hand painted. Many decorative elemen...
Porcelain
20th Century Italian Porcelain Chandelier Decorated with Flowers
By Capodimonte
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Beautiful and refined Italian chandelier 5-light. This chandelier is a masterpiece of the manufacture of Cpodimonte made entirely of ceramic and hand painted. Many decorative element...
Porcelain
Veilleuse “Capodimonte” Pair of Lions, 1950, Italy
By Capodimonte
Located in Milano, IT
Veilleuse “Capodimonte” pair of lions, 1950, Italy.
Porcelain
Capodimonte Jeweled Porcelain Peacock Lamp
By Capo Di Monte, Capodimonte
Located in New Windsor, NY
Signed Capodimonte jeweled paste porcelain peacock lamp. Wonderful elegant accent table lamp. Soft low light, circa 1960-1970. Original wiring i...
Porcelain, Glass
20th Century Italian Capodimonte White Porcelain Chandelier with Putti
By Capodimonte
Located in Milano, MI
A 20th century Italian Capodimonte white Porcelain twelve-light Chandelier decorated with twelve roses and six standing and playing cherub figures in white porcelain with gold accents throughout, crafted by the renowned Italian Capodimonte manufactory. This enchanting twelve light porcelain chandelier has a gilt iron frame decorated with crystal pendants and beads chains. It exemplifies the Rococo style with its rich decoration. It has twelve curved arms, ending with crystal bobeiges for E14 light bulbs. It dates back to circa 1970 and measures 37.5 inches high by 26 inches diameter. This enchanting twelve-light porcelain chandelier is fully decorated with standing white porcelain cherubs...
Crystal, Iron