Capodimonte

Capodimonte is a commune (municipality) located in the Province of Viterbo, Latium, Italy. The town is spread across an area of 61.3 sq. km. and, as of 31st December 2004 the population stood at 1,745. Capodimonte located about 90 km northwest of Rome and about 20 km northwest of Viterbo, the provincial capital. The famous astronomical observatory, the Capodimonte Observatory, is located in Province of Naples, Italy, on the Capodimonte Hill. The more famous reference to Capodimonte is perhaps the, Capo-di-Monte. Capo-di-Monte is commonly referred to those famous porcelain art pieces which feature the mark of the blue crown N (BCN). These porcelain pieces are characterized by a peculiar sense of style, extremely high use of color and a distinct definitive look and design. The Capo-di-Monte factory was started by King Ferdinand IV in Naples in 1771. The factory closed down in 1834 and was bought by the Ginori family of Doccia, a place near Florence, Italy. The Ginori family continued using the blue crown N mark. In 1896 the factory was combined with Societa Ceramica Richard of Milan. Under the combination the production of porcelain pieces continues today and is characterized by marks of a crest and wreath under a blue crown with R Capodimonte. Capo-di-Monte is characterized by its color and extensive detailing. Though the company has an active production line, it is the older, and hence rarer, pieces which command a premium. Today Capo-di-Monte is more referred to the porcelain that was used and hence is generalized to Italian porcelain. Among Capo-di-Monte one can find figurines, tea-sets, chandeliers, flower pots, flower baskets, jewelry boxes, lamps, candle holders, jugs, bowls, plates, vases, cups, snuff boxes, walking stick handles, etc. certain rarer examples such as porcelain flowers, birds and large sculptures.