Meissen Porcelain
Capodimonte Porcelain
Capodimonte porcelain, sometimes written as Capo di Monte porcelain or Capo-di-Monte porcelain, was named for the factory location in the Capodimonte Woods near Naples.The Italian translates “Mount head” or perhaps “top of the mountain”.
Capodimonte porcelain evolved as yet another expression of the thirst of European nobility for this material, first successfully copied from the original Chinese in the early eighteenth century at Meissen in Saxony (now Germany). This hard-paste porcelain required an abundant supply of kaolin, first discovered near Meissen, and later near Sevres in France, and near Fuscaldo and Paola in the Province of Catanzaro in Naples (Sicily).
As was the case outside Saxony, Capodimonte porcelain originally was made from soft-paste porcelain. The location of Capodimonte porcelain production moved around throughout the 18th Century as a result of the history of intermarriage of European royalty. Charles de Bourbon was the son of Philip V of Spain, yet he ascended to the Neapolitan throne as Charles VII in 1734. Charles married the granddaughter of Saxon ruler Augustus II, under whose patronage the original porcelain works at Meissen were built. Charles had good reason to be inspired to produce Capodimonte porcelain on the island of Sicily, where he took up residence in Naples. Thus, Capodimonte porcelain came into production, thanks in part to the work of Giovanni Caselli and Livio Schepers, whom the king recruited from the Naples Mint. The king commissioned the well-known Capodimonte Mark.
As musical thrones would have it, Charles later succeeded to the Spanish throne and became Charles III of Spain. As a part of the transition, Charles saw to it that all aspects of Capodimonte porcelain production were moved to a new factory Buen Retiro near Madrid. All aspects remaining in Naples were diligently destroyed so as not to leave any encouragement for copycats to perpetuate the Sicilian production.
In another historic irony, Charles’s son, Ferdinand, returned to Naples in 1759 as Ferdinand IV, King of Naples. Sharing his father’s passion for porcelain, he built a new Capodimonte porcelain factory in the royal villa at Portici. The Capodimonte porcelain name again became Italian-based.
Perhaps in a spirit of competitiveness, Ferdinand assembled master craftsmen who would produce lavish works as gifts for his father back in Spain. Extraordinary dinner services were also presented to such other monarchs as George III of England in 1785.
At the close of the 18th century, Naples shared the fate of most of Europe in coming under the control of Napoleon Bonaparte. Despite the king’s flight to other regions, Director Domenico Venuti tried to preserve the Capodimonte works in the face of the French invasion. Alas, his efforts were mostly unsuccessful.
With the lessening of Napoleonic influence, Ferdinand was again able to return, making attempts to restore Capodimonte porcelain to its former glory. However, by 1816 the Capodimonte porcelain works had declined to the point where elements of production were sold off and otherwise dissipated. Most historians mark this point as the effective end of more than 60 years of Capodimonte porcelain production. Such masters as Tagliolini and others had created enduringly famous products during that period.
The Capodimonte porcelain name, being so popular and associated with such great works, not surprisingly has been resurrected in subsequent years. Again as a result of closely related European nobility, Capodimonte is now primarily marketed by a British company, stating that the works are still Italian in origin “…from leading Italian porcelain manufacturers.”
About the Author
Lawrence Bell is Editor for Antique China Porcelain & Collectibles (
http://antique-china-porcelain-collectibles.com
). This site was formerly a retail outlet for antique china, and is now an educational resource with links to others sites.
Meissen porcelain still going strong | Video of the day
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BOOK German Porcelain Meissen Figures Kaendler Era $50.96 |
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PLATE CHINA PORCELAIN MEISSEN ANTIQUE GERMAN 1890 O1 $69.00 |
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PAIR ANTIQUE MEISSEN PORCELAIN CANDLESTICKS $576.77 |
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Victoria & Albert Museum Mini Meissen Porcelain Tea Pot $19.95 |
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Antique Meissen Pink Rose Porcelain Chocolate Coffe Pot $245.00 |
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RARE MEISSEN PORCELAIN ANTIQUE LIDDED JAR – c1800s $237.03 |
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Antique MEISSEN PORCELAIN FIGURINE LADY DANCER Germany $139.97 |
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Antique MEISSEN PORCELAIN FIGURINE MALE DANCER Germany $139.97 |
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A Pair of Meissen Porcelain Cigarette Holders decorated in Purple and Gilt $16.59 |
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MEISSEN PORCELAIN INKWELL SET AUGUSTUS REX MARK TWO INKWELLS & UNDER PLATE $21.50 |
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An Early Meissen Porcelain Onion Pattern Deep Dish $33.18 |
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Meissen Porcelain Clock embleming the Four Seasons $9,500.00 |
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OLD MEISSEN PORCELAIN TULIP PAINTED SAUCER $15.80 |
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2x OLD MEISSEN PORCELAIN HANDPAINTED FLORAL SAUCERS $15.80 |
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ANTIQUE VICTORIAN MEISSEN DRESDEN PORCELAIN DOG FIGURES $687.39 |
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ANTIQUE 19thC MEISSEN PORCELAIN FIGURINE LADY & BIRD CAGE THE SENSES 1830-1850 $248.09 |
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Fine German Porcelain Figurine ~ In the Dresden, Meissen, and Sitzendorf Style $38.99 |
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Pair of Fine German Porcelain Figurines ~ In the Dresden and Meissen Style $61.00 |
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CUPS & SAUCERS/ MEISSEN PORCELAIN DEMITASSE FINE CHINA $299.00 |
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Meissen Blue Onion Porcelain Converted to Electric Lamp $749.00 |
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MEISSEN PORCELAIN ID & VALUE PRICE GUIDE BOOK HARDCOVER $12.55 |
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MEISSEN Porcelain Cup and Saucer Floral and Butterfly $55.00 |
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Vintage MEISSEN Porcelain TWIN Flower BASKET W/ Inserts $125.00 |
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MEISSEN PORCELAIN CANDLESTICK PAIR CIRCA 1910 $85.00 |
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MEISSEN ANTIQUE GERMAN PORCELAIN COBALT BLUE VASE C1890 $148.06 |
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1934 Meissen Germany Albrechtsburg Cathedral Castle Art – Original Photogravure $46.95 This is an original 1934 photogravure of Meissen, Germany (Deutschland). The city is known for its porcelain; potter’s clay and kaolin are found extensively in the area. Albrechtsburg Castle can be seen in the photogravure. It was completed in 929 by King Henry I of Germany. The cathedral can also be seen. It was founded in 968 by Emperor Otto I. Paintings by Lucas Cranach the Elder can be seen in… |
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1956 Ad Winifred Williams Meissen Porcelain Plate Cup – Original Print Ad $46.95 This is an original 1956 black and white print ad from Winifred William Antiques, 38 South Street, Eastbourne, Sussex. Pictured here is a collection of Meissen Porcelain Teacups and Plates. This is an excellent print item for the collector of this fine porcelain…. |
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Glass and Porcelain from the Royal Manufactory at Meissen Stretched Canvas Poster Print Decorate your home or office with high quality wall décor. Glass and Porcelain from the Royal Manufactory at Meissen is that perfect piece that matches your style, interests, and budget…. |
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Utz $6.00 Bruce Chatwin’s bestselling novel traces the fortunes of Kaspar Utz, an enigmatic collector of Meissen porcelain living in Cold War Czechoslovakia. Although Utz is allowed to leave the country each year, and considers defecting each time, he always returns to his Czech home, a prisoner of the Communist state and of his precious collection.”A triumph.” –The Washington Post”Exquisite. . . One thin… |
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The Arcanum: The Extraordinary True Story $13.00 Since the middle ages, Western Europeans have practiced alchemy, a primitive form of chemistry, in the great hope of transforming base metal into gold. In the early 18th century, a second great secret puzzled Western Europe’s early scientists: how to make porcelain. Recently arrived from the Orient, porcelain quickly became a symbol of power, prestige, and good taste. In The Arcanum, Janet G… |
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The Book of Meissen (Schiffer Books for Collectors) $69.00 This book traces the history of Meissen porcelain from the “goldmaker” Johann Freidrich Bottger’s first tests to the latest design, “Japan Form”, for oriental dishes, that was first shown in 1983. Both the most typical and the most beautiful creations of Meissen are shown and described. Special attention is given to the 19th and 20th century products, neglected in most books about Meissen. In thir… |
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The Arnhold Collection of Meissen Porcelain $233.75 The Arnhold Collection of Meissen Porcelain |
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Early Meissen Porcelain $69.96 Early Meissen Porcelain |
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Painting Porcelain in the Meissen Style $18.71 Painting Porcelain in the Meissen Style |
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Collection of Meissen Porcelain Figurines $49.99 Collection of Meissen Porcelain Figurines – Giclee Print |
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Meissen Porcelain $17.48 Once worth more than its weight in gold, Meissen Porcelain has graced the households of royalty and artistocracy for hundreds of years. Famed ceramic expert and Antiques Roadshow stalwart John Sandon explores the history of this precious commodity: from its mysterious discovery by an imprisoned alchemist held captive in the King of Saxony’s castle, to its reputation as the most beautiful of all porcelains. Providing further insight into the beautiful world of chinaware, "Meissen Porcelain "is an essential topic for the growing Shire list, and a welcome volume to join Sandon’s carefully detailed titles in the Shire collection: "British Porcelain" and "Worcester Porcelain." |
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Meissen $72.25 Meissen |
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Glass and Porcelain from the Royal Manufactory at Meissen $49.99 Glass and Porcelain from the Royal Manufactory at Meissen – Giclee Print |
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Meissen Porcelain: Identification and Value Guide $23.98 Meissen porcelain is eagerly collected throughout the world and traded vigorously at antique shows, auctions, and on the Internet. Of the few books available on this beautiful German porcelain, none includes current market values – but Jim and Susan Harran’s new Meissen Porcelain does The authors of the bestselling three-volume series, Collectible Cups & Saucers, and another volume, Dresden Porcelain Studios, have produced a book that features everyday items available in the marketplace, not the eighteenth century museum pieces found in many Meissen books. The majority of pieces featured date from the mid-nineteenth century through the 1950s. More than 625 color photographs are included, along with a helpful marks section. Meissen Porcelain provides historical information about the beautiful city of Meissen and a brief history of the Meissen manufactory itself, as well as discussions on decorating motifs and how Meissen porcelain is made. The book includes chapters on decorative porcelain, flower painting, Oriental motifs, Meissen’s famous Blue Onion pattern, figures, copycats, and useful information for the collector. |
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Meissen Porcelain Identification And Value Guide $25.45 Meissen porcelain is eagerly collected throughout the world and traded vigorously at antique shows, auctions, and on the Internet. Of the few books available on this beautiful German porcelain, none includes current market values – but Jim and Susan Harra |
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A Meissen Porcelain Group of the Quack Doctor and Harlequin, 19th Century $49.99 Meissen A Meissen Porcelain Group of the Quack Doctor and Harlequin, 19th Century – Giclee Print |
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Exterior of the Meissen Porcelain Factory Seen from Hills Above $49.99 Exterior of the Meissen Porcelain Factory Seen from Hills Above – Photographic Print |
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A Royal Menagerie: Meissen Porcelain Animals $23.98 "Heroic" is perhaps the only word to describe the Meissen porcelain animals made for the Elector of Saxony, Frederick-Augustus. They were commissioned in 1728 and modeled and executed by 1735. The great size of the figures presented many technical difficulties in creation and firing. Their mere completion in so many cases was itself a tour de force, making it arguably the most significant commission for porcelain executed in Europe. Presented here are the large figures of animals from the collection of Frederick-Augustus, currently on exhibition at the Getty Museum until January 2002. Frederick-Augustus had long been a collector of Japanese and Chinese porcelain. He created the most ambitious interior for porcelain planned anywhere in Europe, the famous Japanese Palace in Dresden. On the upper floor was a gallery devoted to Meissen porcelain, filled with vases, great dishes, and the animal figures displayed in this beautifully illustrated book. |
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Meissen Porcelain By Sandon, John $27 Author: Sandon, John Series Title: Shire Collections Publication Date: 2010/08/24 Number of Pages: 120 Binding Type: Paperback Language: English Depth: 0.50 Width: 7.50 Height: 10.00 |
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Early Meissen Porcelain in Dresden $138.16 This book is in Good Used condition |
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Meissen’s Blue And White Porcelain $37.46 This book is in New – Excellent condition |
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Meissen : Meissen, Meissen Porcelain, Margraviate of Meissen, Roman Catholic Diocese of Dresden-Meissen, Albrechtsburg $8.49 No Synopsis Available |
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Passion for Meissen $66.5 Passion for Meissen |
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Royal Menagerie : Meissen Porcelain Animals $17.55 No Synopsis Available |
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Dresden to Meissen $8 Travel from Dresden to Meissen by train |
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The Dresden Porcelain Collection; China, Japan, Meissen $41.54 No Synopsis Available |
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