Antique hard-paste porcelain sculpture, polychrome and vitrified, depicting a charming old beggar seated with a pot and a kitten. Signed under the base with the mark of the ancient Neapolitan Royal House of Ferdinandea, an N under a crown in blue underglaze, made in Naples between the late 1700s and the very early 19th century in full Rococo style. Final considerations on the object: The sculpture's plasticity is particularly fine; note the beauty of the old beggar's richly pleated robes and the typical face of 18th-century Rococo porcelain. The rich vitrification, making the sculpture so delicate it appears to be made of wax, is also superb. The type of porcelain used is extremely hard and mellow, whitish in color and heavy. This type of porcelain was used only between the late 1700s and the very early decades of the 19th century, when porcelain was rich in kaolin, a material now in short supply and used today in far smaller quantities. Finally, the patina under the base is noteworthy, having darkened the porcelain, especially on the unglazed edge. Spectacular mark, clearly evident as a 100% original mark from the late 1700s, specifically mark number 2 in the manual (see last photos). Information on the artist and/or manufacturer: In 1771, Ferdinand IV of Bourbon, King of Naples and the Two Sicilies, founded a porcelain factory in the Villa Portici in Naples. In 1773, the factory moved to the royal palace to produce classical sculptures with an antique feel. Production continued until 1806, when production was halted due to the French occupation. Ownership subsequently passed to the Florentine Doccia factory, which closed permanently in 1834. The last photos provide some historical information on the factory and the various marks used, with s in the note below the marks, taken from one of our French volumes. I have official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs, designer records, or other literature sources and take full responsibility for any authenticity issues arising from misattribution