A CAPODIMONTE (CARLO III) PORCELAIN CHOCOLATE OR COFFEE-CUP AND SAUCER

The naturalistic insects painted on this cup and saucer are after the prints by Joris Hoefnagel, 'Insects Diversae Insectarum Volatilium' published in 1630. For a full discussion of lepidopteral decoration on Capodimonte porcelain, see Angela Caròla-Perrotti et al., Le Porcellane dei Borbone di Napoli, Capodimonte e Real Fabbrica Ferdinandea, 1743-1806, Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Naples, Exhibition Catalogue, 1986, pp. 140-141 and p. 143 for two engravings of insects. Also see col. pl. XXIX for a service with similar borders, of which this lot perhaps forms a part. A part service with this decoration was sold Bonhams, London, 2 July 2019, lot 133.