Bygone Relics

Capodimonte refers to a distinctive and highly collectible style of porcelain that originated in Naples, Italy in the 18th century. It’s best known for its handcrafted figurines, flowers, and decorative pieces, often marked by a high level of detail and artistry. It is an unusual item to collect but the craftsmanship is of the highest quality. While this is perhaps not an item the is made as often in the past it is still an expression of an artist work and can be quite sort after.

Key Features

• Soft-paste porcelain: Warm, creamy look (unlike the harder, colder appearance of some other European porcelain).
• Intricate designs: Often includes realistic flowers, romantic scenes, cherubs, mythological figures, and rustic life.
• Hand-painted: Each piece is typically handcrafted and painted, making them unique.
• Marked with a crowned “N”: The traditional Capodimonte mark is a blue crown over an “N”, introduced by the royal factory and widely adopted by later makers.

Modern Capodimonte

• After WWII, Capodimonte porcelain was revived by various Italian companies in Naples and northern Italy.
• Famous 20th-century artists like Giuseppe Cappe, Bruno Merli, and Maria Angela helped maintain the brand’s reputation.
• Today, pieces are mostly decorative and sought after by collectors.

Here are five of the best and most renowned Capodimonte porcelain figurine makers,

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1. Capodimonte (Royal Factory) – Founded by King Charles VII (1735)

• Origin: Naples, Italy
• History: The original Capodimonte porcelain was established in 1743 by King Charles VII of Naples, who later became Charles III of Spain. Inspired by Meissen and Sèvres porcelain, the royal factory focused on high-quality soft-paste porcelain. It gained fame for its intricate figurines, floral sculptures, and tableware.
• Legacy: The factory moved to Spain in 1759, but the Capodimonte style persisted in Naples through various workshops and artisans.

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2. Giuseppe Cappe (1921–2008)

• Origin: Milan, Italy
• History: A master sculptor known for revitalizing Capodimonte porcelain in the 20th century, Cappe co-founded “Italian Porcelain Art Studio” and later created highly expressive and realistic figurines. His works often depict emotional scenes, historical figures, and romantic themes.
• Legacy: Cappe’s pieces are valued for their artistry and often signed, making them desirable for collectors.

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3. Bruno Merli (Active mid-20th century)

• Origin: Naples, Italy
• History: Merli was a prolific Capodimonte artist who worked during the mid-1900s. He specialized in Rococo-style figurines, including dancers, musicians, and noble couples, often adorned in detailed, hand-painted costumes.
• Legacy: His figurines are particularly collectible in the U.S. and Europe, often marked with the crown and “N” Capodimonte insignia.

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4. Maria Angela (Late 20th century)

• Origin: Italy
• History: A modern Capodimonte artist best known for figurines of children, pastoral scenes, and romantic themes. Her works are defined by soft color palettes and emotional realism, often signed and bearing the Capodimonte mark.
• Legacy: Though not from the original Capodimonte line, Maria Angela is praised for continuing the tradition with a modern, sentimental twist.

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5. Carlo Mollica (20th century)

• Origin: Naples, Italy
• History: From a family of Capodimonte artisans, Mollica became one of the leading names in figurative porcelain art in the 20th century. His pieces include courtly scenes, musicians, and Neapolitan street vendors.
• Legacy: Often signed “Mollica” or bearing a factory mark, his works are known for their elegance and intricate detailing.