Antique porcelain two older figures depicted in the caricature

Para Antique Ginori Porcelain Caramogi, hand-painted, featuring amusing grotesque figures of exquisite craftsmanship, with two older characters depicted in caricature—one wearing a charming hat, intending to sniff tobacco. The male figure holds glasses and carefully observes a golden object.

They are in perfect condition, bearing the Ginori manufactory mark with a crown N at the bottom, of the Royal Neapolitan Manufactory, in blue enamel, and date from the second quarter of the 19th century. 

Caramogi are defined as figurines of deformed dwarfs created for entertainment at the courts of rulers. The name derives from the fact that Caramogio was used to refer to any funny little person or dwarf, sometimes even a false or foolish person. Among the most characteristic examples of Caramogi are those produced by the 18th-century Tuscan porcelain factory Doccia. 

Figurines depicting dwarfs in various shapes are inspired by illustrations of “Varie figure Gobbi” by Jacques Callot, published in 1616 in Florence, produced in the 18th century by various manufacturers such as Meissen, Doccia, Capodimonte, and Cozzi. Callot’s Gobbi figures originate from sketches inspired by life: their caricatural deformity with a satirical tone was most likely inspired by real-life observation. In fact, contemporary sources mention the tradition of organizing games during the feast of Saint Romulus, held annually on July 6th in Florence. The Giostra dei Gobbi, which was held every year, expanded the entertainment preferences of Cosimo II and Maria Maddalena of Austria to include dwarfs and groomsmen in a popular spectacle.

Prestigious antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Currently, there is a growing number of enthusiasts for high-quality vintage items that possess a specific character and soul. This is a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the design of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few stand out as the most important.Eclectic furniture is from the 19th century, marked by the beloved Biedermeier style. Its variants in the early years of this century include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and finally the Victorian English style. By the end of the century, these styles transitioned into pseudo styles of classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque.

Empire-style furniture and accessories date from the period between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Everything was influenced by Napoleon’s reign, which imposed a strong resemblance and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Interesting and noteworthy are antique products in Rococo style and Louis XV. Next is Baroque, a term derived from the Portuguese “barocco”—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly ornate pieces designed to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Unique, selectively used materials were employed to further emphasize the grandeur of these works.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classic furniture, which is designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. An important style is also Renaissance, which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and left a significant mark on furniture-making art. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and massive, using dark stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and bas-reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of cabinets and broadly speaking, chest furniture. Here, too, there was an interest in mythology and ancient times, with supports and legs taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads – these are common sights especially in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands recreate such furniture inspired by Italian and French craftsmen. This reflects admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It is important to remember that each country perceived furniture manufacturing differently, so each style in a given nation had its own distinct character. This is very important, especially when searching for the perfect exclusive antique for your interior.

The most important aspect of elite antique furniture is originality. And this is ultimately crucial from the buyer's perspective, as the market is filled with many fakes. Luxury Products provides a certificate confirming the product's compliance with the actual description and photos. We have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.