Porcelain centrepiece by Real Ferdinandea Capodimonte, Napoli, 1970, Art Nouveau. Original, straight from a family living in Naples. The cherubs figures in Baroque style, evoke the golden years of Capodimonte unique Art-porcelain creations. Description: Wonderful and antique, museum grade centrepiece in white hard-paste porcelain with thick glazing, entirely shaped and decorated by hand with floral motifs. It features the brand of famous Capodimonte Factory (Naples), a crowned letter “N” in blue, typical brand used in the second half of the 20th century and definitely dating back to that time. The then Real Fabbrica Ferdinandea was founded in 1743 in Naples by King Charles III of Bourbon and Queen Maria Amalia of Saxony. The porcelains made at that time had unique features, it was totally different from northern European porcelain. In southern Italy, in fact, there were no kaolin deposits, therefore the paste was made with a mix of various types of clay, which made this factory so unique in porcelain history. In the two decades from 1780 to 1800, Charles III’s son, Ferdinand IV, founded a rank Art school where many table sets and furnishing complements were manufactured. In 1806, with the advent of the French domination, the factory was sold to a group of private individuals who began to change its production style. In the second half of the 19th century, after the Unity of Italy, the production of sumptuous tableware sets was replaced with a floral style. The world-famous Capodimonte porcelain boasts excellent quality and remarkable craftsmanship. This centrepiece recalls the Meissen porcelain style, in fact, as we well know, Capodimonte manufacturers were often inspired by German production. As you can see, high quality and mastery are the main ingredients of this manufacture, which is appreciated and renowned, both nationally and internationally. This antique, museum-grade centrepiece has been entirely handmade in hard-paste porcelain with high kaolin content, as proved by its milk-white colour and extreme hardness. Rich in floral decorations on both sides, each little flower has been handcrafted and applied later on the body. A wonderful frame for an equally magnificent object. The floral motif is typical of this Neapolitan porcelain factory. Another unique feature of this item are the two cherubs playing respectively mandolin and flute, placed at both ends. Entirely hand-glazed with heavy enamels in soft and at the same time bright colour shades. Finished with plenty of pure gold on the third fire. This is an antique, high-quality object of unique beauty. Insured shipping with tracking code. Accurate packaging, only with proper shipping material.