Capodimonte cir.1860 Porcelain Pitcher Jug Bacchus, Grapevine Handle

Description

Capodimonte C.1860 Pitcher Jug Bacchus, Grapevine Handle. This Fabulous Wine Pitcher or Jug was made around 1860 by the Ginori Factory in Florence, Italy and is in the style of those made at the Capodimonte Factory which closed around 1830. The mark on the bottom was used 1830-1890. Both the high quality of the decoration and the heavy, high relief potting indicate a mid-century date.
The original Capodimonte Factory’s designs of relief figures on porcelain have been copied by many since the factory closed in the early 1800s. The Ginori factory’s early pieces are beautifully molded and hand painted in great detail. In assessing quality to filter out those of low quality, I look first at the faces of the figures. The eyes should be much more than a line and a dot and an eyebrow, and you should be able to see a molded nose and hair that’s textured by the mold as well as by individual brush strokes. Attention to detail is the key.
This wine jug displays a masterful hand in its detail. The The theme is Bacchanalian with a youthful Bacchus riding a donkey and being supported by two also youthful Satyrs. Notice the almond-shape of the eyes, the dot for the iris, the red line to indicate an eyelid, and the eyebrow. There’s also a tiny line under the nose for definition. The relief molding of this group is outstanding with exquisitely modeled figures and animal. Note especially the left foot of Bacchus which hangs away from the base.
The other side of the wine jug shows the portrayal of a more mature “drunken” Bacchus and the two aged supporting Satyrs at his side. These three figures are even more 3-dimensional than those on the reverse. Notice again the eyes, and also detailed painting of the hands and fingers.
The outside of the pitcher is textured and decorated as tree bark. You’ll notice color mixing and knotholes that look very real, and a branch that curves upward and splits to become the handle. Branching up and around the handle is a grapevine with green leaves and deep magenta grapes that also encircle the neck of the jug. Finally, the white borders along the top and bottom are decorated with scrolls and garlands in gold and the splendid deep magenta color.
SIZE: 8 1/2" high; 5” wide at the base; 7 5/8" across at the lip to the vined handle.
MARKS: The Ginori mark for 1830-1890. 5 lines with dots and a curved line beneath them.
CONDITION: Excellent! No chips or repairs.