ITALIAN FASHION

THE AUCTION HOUSE: Woolley & Wallis, Wiltshire THE LOT: A Naples creamware part dinner service sold on 16th October THE PRICE: £21,000 (est £1,000-£2,000)

The star lot in the autumn English and European Ceramics and Glass sale was a hand-painted part service of creamware made in 1830 at the Giustiniani factory in Naples. ‘ Despite being beaten about a bit, the service – comprising 30 plates, 11 handled dishes, two tureens, a wine cooler and a table centrepiece – far exceeded its estimate,’ says Clare Durham of Woolley & Wallis. ‘ The earthenware is decorated in the Egyptian Revival manner and every piece is di !erent – buyers love it.’ 01722 424500; woolleyandwallis.co.uk

A 19th-century Naples creamware part service, decorated in the Egyptian Revival manner, sold for more than 20 times its lower estimate.