In the coastal city of Naples, the cultural heart of Southern Italy, Capodimonte porcelain was first created almost 300 years ago. The first factory was set up by King Charles VII of Naples, whose wife, Maria Amalia, was from a royal German family actively involved in Meissen porcelain production; as a result, there are clear similarities between Meissen and Capodimonte porcelain. Although not an early feature of Capodimonte porcelain, the works of the factory began to be marked with the Fleur de Lis. The mark of Capodimonte would later become a crown above the letter 'N', which in more modern times featured on a sticker used by numerous manufacturers. Original Capodimonte porcelain - mainly found today in museums and private collections - is often characterised by its delicate figures and floral decor. Most examples found on the collectors' market are in the style of these originals, but can still hold great value.
