Naples Royal Porcelain Factory plate, cherubs, c.1780.

Excellent condition.

22cm

This rare piece should not be confused with the later copies, known as 'Capodimonte'. Such pieces, with similar cherubs, copy this piece, and we're made by many makers in the 19th & 20th centuries. The original Capodimonte was founded by Charles Bourbon, son of Philip V of Spain, near Naples in around 1743. His interest in porcelain was stimulated by his marriage to the daughter of Augustus the Strong, who had founded the first porcelain factory in Europe a few decades earlier. The factory came to an end in 1759, when Charles inherited the Spanish throne; before leaving he ordered the demolition of the factory, and he re-established it in Buen Retiro, Spain. His son Ferdinand became King of Naples, and in 1771 he constructed the new Naples Royal Porcelain Factory, at the Royal Villa at Portico, near Naples. As this design is not known from the original Capodimonte products, or the Spanish productions, we can infer a date shortly after the re-establishment in Naples, circa 1780. This piece has a distinct white glassy body, and bears numerous firing flaws and lumps. Later pieces were much more refined. This piece also lacks a mark, such as the original Capodimonte fleur-de-lis, or the later crowned N of Naples: these marks are always found in some form on later copies, but here the absence is another indication of an early date. The quality and colours of the decoration also support this early date.