subject: Capodimonte Figurines Are My New Addiction [print this page] My grandmother used to go crazy over these ceramic Capodimonte figurines and flowers and I could never understand why. She'd explain to me over and over again how lifelike the flowers were and how the statuettes were finely painted they looked like illustrations in a book. I remember she would spend so much time at the auctions and tag sales looking over the pieces just to find that blue "N" mark and crown.
Maybe it's because I grew up with them that I didn't appreciate them until I inherited part of her collection. It's something, I think, that grows on you. Her favourite piece, a little white basket decorated with pink roses, now sits on the dresser in my bedroom. She used to put her rings and necklace in it before she showered and I do the same now.
It's important to research then, before you buy any piece, since these are highly sought after collectibles. You can find them online with reputable dealers or for sale in antiques shops or on eBay, if you're lucky. There are figurines and flowers (mostly elaborately decorated lamps) that were made in the 1950s and 1960s which are definitely not of museum quality but are exceptionally beautiful nonetheless. These same pieces are made today and are available at much lower prices but are still considered collector's pieces.
The more exceptional pieces are the figurines that are done completely in 3-D, with a lot of raised detail that gives an airy feel to the pieces. It's this delicacy that makes it a sought-after collectible. The contrast of fine detailing and bold colors done by hand are what sets these ceramics apart. The dynamic, lifelike feel of the finish is what makes Capodimonte so unique from the ones which are marked "t. Capodimonte" or "tipo," meaning "done in the style of," which are pretty but don't have the spirit of the originals.
I have to admit I've become somewhat addicted to these ceramic pieces. Now that I know how much my grandmother taught me about them because of how much she loved them, I'm sure that she must be looking down on me and laughing at my new addiction.
