!8: Capodimonte Figurines Order Now: December 2011

Friday, December 9, 2011

The History of Giuseppe Armani Sculptures and Figurines

!±8± The History of Giuseppe Armani Sculptures and Figurines

Giuseppe Armani was born in 1935 in Calci, Italy and it wasn't very long before his parents realized that he had a unique gift. You see, young Giuseppe drew everything he saw as soon as he could pick up a pencil. And these were not the usual drawings that a child does, he drew drawings of great detail. When he was older he planned to attend the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence. Unfortunately his educational plans were dashed when his father died and he was needed at home by his family.

Giuseppe continued drawing and it was not long before he was recognized when a local priest organized an art exhibition for the town's young artists. Giuseppe entered a sculpture of a male torso which was admired for its detail and adherence to classical styling. This sculpture was taken to the Art Gallery in Pisa. The gallery owners were amazed with its detail and beauty and immediately offered Giuseppe a permanent position at their gallery.

With his job in Pisa, Giuseppe's dream of studying art was now realized. He studied the Renaissance masterpieces and started to perfect his own style. He soon had admirers coming from far away to see his creations.

In 1975, the Florence Sculpture d'Arte offered him a position working exclusively for their studio. He was glad to accept as he was given complete artistic freedom.

From that point forward he created beautiful masterpieces ranging from traditional Capodimonte styling to more contemporary creations. Some of his more popular figurines were created for Disney which consisted of his interpretations of their most cherished characters.

In 2006, Giuseppe Armani passed away from a massive stroke. His beautiful creations continue to live on as a legacy to his artistic genius.

The History of Giuseppe Armani Sculptures and Figurines

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Monday, December 5, 2011

Italian Wedding Traditions

!±8± Italian Wedding Traditions

Ever since I was a little girl I remember staring into my Nonna's China closet admiring her collection of trinkets. As I grew up I learned that they were not toys for me to play with, but rather small gifts from different events that we celebrated within my family. Nonna eventually explained the tradition behind the "bomboniera" and I incorporated this Italian tradition into my own wedding.

Throughout Europe there is a long-standing tradition of offering a small gift or a bomboniera to each person or family who are guests at receptions given for special occasions, such as weddings, baptisms and anniversaries. Since the middle ages, sugared almonds (confetti) were used as part of the bomboniera. The tradition holds the confetti is presented to each person (or family) along with a special gift as recognition for their support and good wishes. Also, the bomboniera are sent after the celebration to those who were unable to attend, but sent a gift or card as a symbol of gratitude and appreciation.

Uneven (odd) number are considered lucky, therefore five (5) confetti are typically included in the bomboniera to represent health, wealth, fertility, happiness and longevity. More than five can be used if desired, always keeping to an uneven number. A bigliettino (little tag) or imprinted favor ribbon is attached with the date of the event along with names.

Traditional bomboniere (favors) are hand-made in Italy with silk, organza, tulle, ribbon and flowers. They can be filled with your choice of confetti - almonds, chocolates, or chocolate-covered almonds, and a beautiful bigliettino (little tag) from Italy is also attached in some way to the bomboniera.

Special, or more significant bomboniere, may be given to family members and friends who have played a special role in the celebration.In some families, a bomboniera(gift) of silver, crystal, or porcelain is also given as part of the tradition. Typical items include porcelain flowers from Capodimonte, silver bowls and crystal figurines.

Throughout the years, this tradition has been honored in Italian families. The bomboniere make the guests feel honored and important, but most importantly they have a memory that will always remind them of your special day.