Capodimonte Classics

CEBU, Philippines - Over the years, Capodimonte has been identified with not just a town in Naples, Italy,

but as a household name for classic, elegant Italian home accessories and furnishings, uniquely handmade from porcelain.

In celebration of the 150th Anniversary of Italy's Unification dubbed as Bella Patria! Beautiful Motherland, Rustan's Department Store, Stores Specialists, Inc. and Rustan's Supermarket, in partnership with Metrobank Card, as part of the celebration, flew in Devis Rossi of Ceramiche Devis for an interactive showcase of a classic Neopolitan artform of handmade and handpainted porcelain, Capodimonte. It was on June 28 when the last leg of the demo caravan took a halt in Cebu shores, in Rustan's Department Store - Ayala Center.

In a press statement, it was pointed out that Capodimonte dates back to the 18th century in Naples, when King Charles started to gain interest with porcelain after marrying Maria Amalia, the granddaughter of the King of Poland. Augustus II, the grandfather, was the founder of the first European hard paste porcelain in Germany. King Charles, after some thorough research and development in perfecting the use of porcelain, became the originator of Capodimonte.

Classic Art

Art and function collide in a Capodimonte piece. Its meticulous detailing and unique artistry are its foothold given that each piece is fashioned in good taste. Devis, who comes from the family of Capodimonte artists, shared that although they produce traditionally-designed art pieces, still a Capodimonte never goes out of style because it can still earn a space in a contemporary home, just like an old painting that accentuates a wall of a modern abode.

Devis' family established their porcelain factory in 1968 in Capodimonte, Italy. Even with the inevitable influence of modern lifestyle, the Rossis still continued on with their family business. Today, they have 36 artisans, including Devis and his family. Currently, the company carries the brand Devis Capodimonte with the "Original Genuine Capodimonte" authentication and the only factory with an "Artistic and Traditional Ceramics" seal in the entire province of Capodimonte producers.

From Italy to Cebu, Devis came to bring this porcelain art into the forefront of home accessories. Each piece is an artisanal, handmade to perfection, like any Italian brand. Like vases, for example, "the flowers are completely made by hand," said Devis, using watercolor. For the mold, Ceramiche Devis uses the old chalk molds their ancestors used 43 years ago hence the classic styles yet the floral designs were tweaked and given new colors and forms. "We produce classical items. We don't make new designs all the time. We use the old molds that we had before. Once in a while we make new designs though," quipped Devis.

Devis is certain that his products will suit the taste of the Cebuano market since he already had a huge Filipino following. In fact, 90 percent of his clients are Filipinos found all over in 72 countries that Ceramiche Devis is available. Most salable items are two feet and above in height pedestals, mirrors, floor lamps, frames and vases. Also included in the 3,000 something product catalogue are wishing wells, baskets, candelabras, figurines, tea sets and charming centerpieces.

Authentic Capodimonte pieces from Ceramique Devis are available in all Rustan's Department Stores. Check out Rustan's in Ayala Center Cebu to view the complete Capodimonte catalogue.