Capodimonte "N" Crown Pottery Mark - Giuseppe Armani, Florence Sculture d'Arte Studio Backstamp Query

by Richard
(UK)

Capodimonte "N" Crown Pottery Mark - Giuseppe Armani, Florence Sculture d'Arte Studio Backstamp Query:- Hello, Can you help identify this piece and its value, it is to be donated to Salvation Army. Blue crown over N on back G A initials on front.

Thank you for your effort and time.

Richard

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Reply from Peter (admin) below - just scroll down

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Reply by Peter (admin)

To:- Capodimonte "N" Crown Pottery Mark - Giuseppe Armani, Florence Sculture d'Arte Studio Backstamp Query

Hi Richard

The "N" crown pottery mark is that of any maker who wishes to be associated with the mark of Capodimonte.

There is no trade mark restriction, so quality of make varies.

In the case of the modern factory of Florence Sculture d'Arte and the artist Giuseppe Armani, they make beautifully sculpted and decorated pieces in the romantic cutesy European porcelain style, but it must be remembered that these items are resin not porcelain. The resin reproduction gives the ability for fabulous sculpting detailing to be kept intact - a much more difficult feat in real porcelain.

The "N" mark of Capodimonte dates from the Royal Manufacturer of Capodimonte in Naples, Italy, which is often reported to have continued until 1806.

In fact, the actual history of this early period is a complex mix of progress and destruction, rebuilding and mixed patronage.

Despite these events, the porcelain production of this original period was some of the finest ever to have come out of Europe, and the factory was subject to turbulent and complex socio-economic influences of the time.

The mark represents the N of Naples, also conveniently representing the initial of the conqueror of this region Napoleon Boneparte. The history of ownership after the French military occupation is too complex to explain here, safe to say that after the superb early period (mainly 1759 to 1780) the N mark did not really apply to one Neapolitan factory or ownership, and therefore was not a protected tradename, as say Meissen in Germany with their various protected marks.

As a result, unlike the Meissen company which was a recognised firm with a recognised history and lineage of ownership and protected trademarking, and which regularly protected it's marks with legal action, the Capo di Monte 'N' mark, became free for anyone and his dog to use.


For a period, it became popular with German (particularly Thuringian) makers to use the N mark for export wares. These wares are often of high quality and are by no means fake.

Other makers, for instance I have seen modern Italian makers do this on their websites, swearing blind they are the one true Capodimonte maker. Importers to the US also make this implication - using the name Capo di monti as if it were a real historic trademarked brand with a history going back to the 18th century.

Please don't be fooled, if I felt like it, I could produce a range of Capodimonte style figurines, put an 'N' mark with a coronet and start talking about the marvellous and rich history.

Capodimonte nowadays is a style not a factory. Be warned.

It was in the 1920's that the Capodimote porcelain tradition of Naples was rediscovered and marketed.

Figurines in the Armani Collection bear the following identifying marks: Factory designation, Copyright mark, Artist's mark or signature, Capodimonte Crown and "N", Limited Edition figurines are numbered.

Generally, whenever visitors ask me for a valuation, I send them straight to the following page which has been written especially to help you in your search for how to value your porcelain wares or china collection:

www.figurines-sculpture.com/antique-china-values.html

My unique identification & valuation help will allow you to see if the mark is identifiable by experts without you having to pay any money upfront. This service is unique online and is designed to protect my site visitors from wasting their time and money online.

Best regards,

Peter (admin)

p.s. The following page is a 'must see' if you are researching fine china - for value and identification:-

Researching the identity and value of antique and vintage fine china.

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