Coral Museum
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The Coral Museum in the Italian city of Naples shows the history of coral jewelery production using outstanding pieces from the Ascione company production from Torre del Greco from the 18th century to the present day and using original documents.
museum
It is divided into two areas: In the first area, the didactic area, coral species ( precious corals ) of different origins can be seen, the historical process of coral fishing, the historical tools for processing corals, numerous chains of different lengths and designs, the different markets for which the production was determined and is still determined today. A showcase is also intended for the production of cameos : it shows the raw material, the shell , tools and various phases of production. Finally, the finished objects give the visitor a complete picture of this special handicraft.
The second area is dedicated to jewelery production: there are more than 300 objects made of coral, shell and lava stone . They are evidence of a rare and valuable production that spans from the beginning of the 19th century to the 1940s. The exhibition is complemented by numerous historical photographs and text documents from the company archive. They illustrate the company's activities and its numerous awards.
location
The Ascione Museum is located on the second floor of the main facade of Galleria Umberto I and takes up a large part of it. From the exhibition rooms you have a breathtaking view of the historic center of Naples , with the city palace and the Teatro San Carlo . The famous marble figures by Carlo Nicoli on the theater facade seem close enough to touch.
Historical notes
According to the archives of the Chamber of Commerce of Naples, the Ascione company is the oldest factory in Torre del Greco , dedicated to the processing of corals, shells, mother-of-pearl and precious stones . In 1855 Giovanni Ascione started working with coral, a craft that was settled in Torre del Greco in the 19th century. Giovanni and his ten sons managed to establish the Ascione brand. Due to the excellent workmanship, the Ascione company became a royal purveyor . Since then, the Ascione company has also been allowed to bear the insignia of the House of Savoy .
Web links
Coordinates: 40 ° 50 ′ 16.6 ″ N , 14 ° 14 ′ 57.3 ″ E