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Armani
Q:
Would you please indicate all of the Giuseppe Armani signatures that
are valid?
A: G.A., g. Armani, Giuseppe Armani
Q:
Does Giuseppe Armani use models?
A: The answer is no! Giuseppe Armani does get his inspiration for
the figurines from observing and meeting people at in-store events.
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Box
Q: The name on the box my figurine came in does not
match the name of the figurine. I think I received the wrong box.
A: You probably have the correct box. The name on the box is a description
of the figurine (i.e. Maternity) and the name in the catalog is the
name of the figurine (i.e. Abiding Love).
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Care
Q: How do I care for my Cold Cast Porcelain figurines?
A: Armani figurines are to be kept out of direct sunlight. You should
keep your figurines in their boxes when not out on display and be
sure to store the boxes in a dry area. To clean them use a soft, clean,
dry brush. You can also use a slightly moist cloth and gently wipe
dry. For tight, close areas use a clean make-up brush or small new
paint brush to brush away dust. You can use an eraser on smudges.
And, a fingernail buffing sponge used very gently works on ONLY white
(F finish) figurines. For chips or scratches on the wood bases, use
dark Old English Furniture Polish.
Q: My figurines are dirty and need to be cleaned. What
is the best way to properly clean them?
A: To clean them use a soft, clean, dry brush. You can also use a
slightly moist cloth and gently wipe dry. For tight, close areas use
a clean make-up brush or small new paint brush to brush away dust.
You can use an eraser on smudges. And, a fingernail buffing sponge
used very gently works on ONLY white figurines. For chips or scratches
on the wood bases, use dark Old English Furniture Polish. Armani figurines
are to be kept out of direct sunlight. You should keep your figurines
in their boxes when not out on display and be sure to store the boxes
in a dry area.
Q: I am leaving my winter home in Florida for the summer
and am concerned about the heat affecting my Giuseppe Armani/Florence
Sculture d'Arte figurines.
A: As long as your figurines remain out of direct sunlight the heat
should not affect them.
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Catalog
Q: Does Giuseppe Armani/Florence Sculture d'Arte have
a catalog with all of the figurines in it?
A: There is a new catalog featuring all of the figurines that are
currently available.
Q: My dealer has a bound purple Giuseppe Armani/Florence
Sculture d'Arte catalog. How can I get one of these?
A: Bound catalogs can be purchased through Authorized Dealers for
$25. Any Member of The Society that purchases "Camille,"
the Members Only Figurine, will receive this catalog as a gift from
The Society. Members of The Society also receive supplemental catalogs
as part of their membership.
Q: I am not currently a Member of The Society but I
would like to receive notices of upcoming events and new figurine
releases. Do you have a mailing list that I can sign up for?
A: No, at this time we only make those notices available via mail
to members of The Society. However, you can check events on this web
site. Click here to go to the Events page.
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Celeste
Q: I understand a free trip to Europe is being offered
by Giuseppe Armani/Florence Sculture d'Arte. How can I enter to win
this free trip?
A: When you purchase "Celeste,"
the Figurine of the Year for 2000, return the postcard included in
the box. The trip is a five-day, four-night stay in Florence, Italy.
During the trip, the winner will get to meet Giuseppe Armani.
Q: I sent in a postcard for a trip to Italy. When will
the drawing take place?
A: The drawing for the five-day, four-night trip to Italy will be
January 31, 2001.
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Dealers
Q: As I do not have a Dealer near my home, can I buy
directly from The Society or Miller Import?
A: No, Giuseppe Armani/Florence Sculture d'Arte figurines can only
be purchased through Authorized Dealers. You can locate
a dealer by clicking here. Many Authorized Dealers will make arrangements
to ship figurines to you.
Q: I have a retail store and would like to carry Giuseppe
Armani/Florence Sculture d'Arte figurines. What do I need to do to
be able to carry the figurines in my store?
A: Call Miller Import Corp. at 800-547-2006 or 732-417-0330 and we
will give you the contact information for a sales representative in
your area. The sales rep will schedule an appointment to visit your
store and discuss the Giuseppe Armani/Florence Sculture d'Arte line
of figurines with you.
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Disney
Q: Is there anywhere I can go to see the Giuseppe Armani/Disney
collection in its entirety?
A: You can view the entire Disney collection on this web site at the
Disney Showcase. The Giuseppe Armani/Florence Sculture d'Arte
2000/2001 catalog contains the Disney collection. You can see the
newest additions to this collection at your Authorized Giuseppe Armani/Florence
Sculture d'Arte Disney Dealer.
Q: How do I find out more information about retired
Disney/Giuseppe Armani figurines?
A: Contact The Society with the figurines name and/or style number
for more information. You can reach The Society at society@millerimportcorp.com,
or by phone at 800-3-ARMANI or 732-417-0330.
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Disneyana
Q: I am interested in attending Disneyana 2001. What
figurine will Giuseppe Armani/Florence Sculture d'Arte sculpt for
this year's Disneyana? Is there a public day planned for this year?
If so, which day is it?
A: This is a very exciting year for Disneyana! This year it will be
held in California at the Disneyland Resort! For Disneyana 2001, Giuseppe
Armani of Florence Sculture d'Arte has sculpted a marvelous "Cruella
De Vil". She is limited to an edition of 750. This dramatic figurine,
standing 14" tall, is masterfully sculpted and looks like she's
stepped right out of the movie.
Reservations can be made for Disneyana 2001 in California by calling
407-827-7600. September 8th is the public day. There is a $10 per
person admission to Disneyana which must be purchased in advance.
Please call 407-827-7600 to purchase you ticket.
As more information about Disneyana 2001 becomes available it will
be posted on our web site. We are planning to devote a separate page
just for this year's Disneyana Convention in California.
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Florence
Sculture d'Arte
Q: I am planning a trip to Italy. Is it possible for
me to visit Florence Sculture d'Arte?
A: Florence Sculture d'Arte will only schedule tours for Members of
The Society when possible. Tours are only given on Thursdays and must
be scheduled through The Society at least two weeks prior to the tour.
To schedule a tour, contact The Society at 800-3-ARMANI or 732-417-0330.
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Figurines
Q: What special figurines are offered to people who
are not Members of The Society?
A: Collectors who are not members of The Society can purchase the
Figurine of the Year and the Event Figurine (when attending events).
The 2000 figurines are "Celeste"
and "Emma" respectively. These two
figurines are limited to the year of production only.
Q: What special figurines are available only to Members
of The Society?
A: Members of The Society are the only ones who can purchase Members
Only figurines. The 2000 Members Only figurine is "Camille."
With the purchase of "Camille"
members receive a 2000/2001 catalog. Also for members only is the
annual Free Gift with membership. This year "Starr"
is the free gift when you join The Society.
Q: What processes are unique to the production of a
Giuseppe Armani/Florence Sculture d'Arte figurine?
A: The main component in the figurines is Kaolin, which is also the
main component of porcelain. This substance produces the hardness
of the finished product and creates the proper surface for the coloring
and decorating process, resulting in bright and lively colors. Florence
"ties" Kaolin with Resins, giving the origin to a catalyzed
semi-liquid component used for their casting process. The original
Armani sculpture is made of regular clay that has to be dried and
fired, and a female mould will then be produced. The female mould
is used to create the male "master mould." This master mould
serves the purpose of originating as many female moulds as needed
for quantities to be produced (from 40 to 50 pieces depending on the
details of the sculpture). The catalyzed component is then poured
into the moulds until the material hardens. The moulds will then be
opened and the rough pieces will be originated. Each and every one
of these pieces will need to be finished by hand to eliminate mould
marks and to accentuate details. The figurines then go through the
decorating process until completion. It is interesting to know that
the entire process is done by hand, and no machines are used. By using
this technique, the result is a finished piece with brilliant colors
and fine workmanship.
Q: What makes the coloration of the Giuseppe Armani/Florence
Sculture d'Arte figurines so outstanding and unique?
A: Each and every figurine is hand painted and the painting process
itself is known only to Pietro Ravenni and the supervisors of painting
at Florence Sculture d'Arte.
Q: Would you please indicate all of the Giuseppe Armani
signatures that are valid?
A: G.A,. g. Armani, Giuseppe Armani
Q: Does Giuseppe Armani/Florence Sculture d'Arte have
a catalog with all of the figurines in it?
A: There is a new catalog featuring all of the figurines that are
currently available.
Q: When will the Fall Giuseppe Armani/Florence Sculture
d'Arte figurines be at my local Dealer?
A: The 2000 Fall figurines will be arriving at your Authorized Dealer
during the end of July and beginning of August.
Q: I have a figurine that looks like the style of Giuseppe
Armani/Florence Sculture d'Arte but I do not recognize the signature
as one of Mr. Armani's. How can I determine if this is truly an Armani
sculpture or a knockoff?
A: Send a clear photograph of the sculpture and a close up picture
of the signature along with a detailed request of the information
you would like to receive. All Giuseppe Armani figurines have one
of his signatures on them. Send requests to The Society, 300 Mac Lane,
Keasbey, NJ 08832.
Q: I would like to know the value of some of my figurines
now that they are retired. If I give you the name of a figurine, can
you tell me what it is worth?
A: The Society and Miller Import Corp. do not deal in the secondary
market. We can tell you the last retail price of the figurine. With
the figurine's name and style number, a secondary market should be
able to supply you with the information you are looking for. You can
reach the Ohi exchange at 800-627-1600 or CIB at 847-842-2200.
Q: Do you have to be a member of The Society to purchase
the Millennium Collection set?
A: No. However, in order to receive the bases for the figurines gratis
you need not only to be a member of The Society, you also need to
purchase all three figurines simultaneously.
Q: I have a figurine with an "N" crown on
it. What is the significance of this symbol?
A: The Capodimonte Crown and N signify that the modern factory of
Florence Sculture d'Arte and the artist Giuseppe Armani follow the
age old traditions of the original Capodimonte porcelain. The "traditional"
blue crown and N are marks of Capodimonte and date from the Royal
Manufacturer of Capodimonte in Naples, Italy, which flourished until
1806. These images represent the Imperial Symbol of Napoleon and were
used by all kings reigning in Napoleon's empire. Around 1925 the production
of artistic porcelain in the tradition of the Naples factory was revived.
Since then, particularly in the last two decades, many factories have
sprung up. Some of this production has been superb, some not. But
all have used the Crown and N and the Capodimonte name as an "umbrella
identity." Therefore, one must look beyond the "umbrella
identity" to the factory backstamp and signature that identify
the true origin of a model. And, it is important to note that the
quality of the sculpture ultimately marks its true worth. The style
of Capodimonte remains unparalleled in the art of porcelain and ceramics.
Its delicate and precise details can only be sculpted by talented
artists. The refined painting techniques of the Capodimonte style
remain today as vivid representation of how unshaped materials such
as clay and kaolin can be ennobled and brought to the level of real
artistic expression. Factories throughout the ages have experimented
with new techniques and different, sometimes secret formulae. The
Florence Sculture d'Arte studio was one of the first to discover a
new development that has since been used by many of the major figurine
factories in Italy and Britain. Florence Sculture d'Arte has now gained
a worldwide reputation as a major force in the world of figurines.
Florence Sculture d'Arte and the Master Sculptor Giuseppe Armani are
today the peak examples of the heritage of Capodimonte. Their indisputable
talents are now appreciated the world over. Capodimonte remains the
base in which they operate and together Florence and Armani interpret
its style in both traditional and contemporary fashions. In that way,
people of different generations can identify with this high form of
expression that has endured through the centuries.
Figurines in the Armani Collection bear the following identifying
marks
* Factory designation
* Copyright mark
* Artist's mark or signature
* Capodimonte Crown and N
* Limited Edition figurines are numbered
Back to top.
Mailing
list
Q: I am not currently a Member of The Society but I
would like to receive notices of upcoming events and new figurine
releases. Do you have a mailing list that I can sign up for?
A: No, at this time we only make those notices available via mail
to members of The Society. However, you can check events on this web
site. Click here to go to the Events page.
Back to top.
Members
- The Society
Q: What special figurines are available only to Members
of The Society?
A: Members of The Society are the only ones who can purchase Members
Only figurines. The 2000 Members Only figurine is "Camille,"
With the purchase of "Camille" members receive a 2000/2001
catalog. Also for members only is the annual Free Gift with membership.
This year "Starr" is the free
gift when you join The Society.
Q: I would like to share the wonderful enjoyment of
Membership in The Society with friends. Can membership in The Society
be given as a gift?
A: Absolutely! Simply fill out the application,
either online or print one out and send it to The Society. If you
would like to pay for a gift membership by credit card, be sure to
include the information for the recipient as well as your information
so the credit card can be processed.
Q: I have moved and want to change my mailing address
and contact information. Whom do I need to contact?
A: Contact The Society via e-mail at society@millerimportcorp.com
or phone them at 800-3-ARMANI or 732-417-0330. Be sure to give them
your full name, membership number, phone number and address.
Q: Can I join The Society on-line?
A: Yes. Click here to go to The Society's
Application. Or, you can click here to see
the benefits of Membership in The Society.
Q: Do you have to be a member of The Society to purchase
the Millennium Collection set?
A: No. However, in order to receive the bases for the figurines gratis
you need not only to be a member of The Society, you also need to
purchase all three figurines simultaneously.
Q: The name on the box my figurine came in does not
match the name of the figurine. I think I received the wrong box.
A: You probably have the correct box. The name on the box is a description
of the figurine (i.e. Maternity) and the name in the catalog is the
name of the figurine (i.e. Abiding Love).
Back to top.
Millennium
Collection
Q: Do you have to be a member of The Society to purchase
the Millennium Collection set?
A: No. However, in order to receive the bases for the figurines gratis
you need not only to be a member of The Society, you also need to
purchase all three figurines simultaneously.
Back to top.
Production
Q: What makes the coloration of the Giuseppe Armani/Florence
Sculture d'Arte figurines so outstanding and unique?
A: Each and every figurine is hand painted and the painting process
itself is known only to Pietro Ravenni and the supervisors of painting
at Florence Sculture d'Arte.
Q: What processes are unique to the production of a
Giuseppe Armani/Florence Sculture d'Arte figurine?
A: The main component in the figurines is Kaolin, which is also the
main component of porcelain. This substance produces the hardness
of the finished product and creates the proper surface for the coloring
and decorating process, resulting in bright and lively colors. Florence
"ties" Kaolin with Resins, giving the origin to a catalyzed
semi-liquid component used for their casting process. The original
Armani sculpture is made of regular clay that has to be dried and
fired, and a female mould will then be produced. The female mould
is used to create the male "master mould." This master mould
serves the purpose of originating as many female moulds as needed
for quantities to be produced (from 40 to 50 pieces depending on the
details of the sculpture). The catalyzed component is then poured
into the moulds until the material hardens. The moulds will then be
opened and the rough pieces will be originated. Each and every one
of these pieces will need to be finished by hand to eliminate mould
marks and to accentuate details. The figurines then go through the
decorating process until completion. It is interesting to know that
the entire process is done by hand, and no machines are used. By using
this technique, the result is a finished piece with brilliant colors
and fine workmanship.
Q: I have a figurine with an "N" crown on
it. What is the significance of this symbol?
A: The Capodimonte Crown and N signify that the modern factory of
Florence Sculture d'Arte and the artist Giuseppe Armani follow the
age old traditions of the original Capodimonte porcelain. The "traditional"
blue crown and N are marks of Capodimonte and date from the Royal
Manufacturer of Capodimonte in Naples, Italy, which flourished until
1806. These images represent the Imperial Symbol of Napoleon and were
used by all kings reigning in Napoleon's empire. Around 1925 the production
of artistic porcelain in the tradition of the Naples factory was revived.
Since then, particularly in the last two decades, many factories have
sprung up. Some of this production has been superb, some not. But
all have used the Crown and N and the Capodimonte name as an "umbrella
identity." Therefore, one must look beyond the "umbrella
identity" to the factory backstamp and signature that identify
the true origin of a model. And, it is important to note that the
quality of the sculpture ultimately marks its true worth. The style
of Capodimonte remains unparalleled in the art of porcelain and ceramics.
Its delicate and precise details can only be sculpted by talented
artists. The refined painting techniques of the Capodimonte style
remain today as vivid representation of how unshaped materials such
as clay and kaolin can be ennobled and brought to the level of real
artistic expression. Factories throughout the ages have experimented
with new techniques and different, sometimes secret formulae. The
Florence Sculture d'Arte studio was one of the first to discover a
new development that has since been used by many of the major figurine
factories in Italy and Britain. Florence Sculture d'Arte has now gained
a worldwide reputation as a major force in the world of figurines.
Florence Sculture d'Arte and the Master Sculptor Giuseppe Armani are
today the peak examples of the heritage of Capodimonte. Their indisputable
talents are now appreciated the world over. Capodimonte remains the
base in which they operate and together Florence and Armani interpret
its style in both traditional and contemporary fashions. In that way,
people of different generations can identify with this high form of
expression that has endured through the centuries.
Figurines in the Armani Collection bear the following identifying
marks
* Factory designation
* Copyright mark
* Artist's mark or signature
* Capodimonte Crown and N
* Limited Edition figurines are numbered
Back to top.
Repair
Q: I have a figurine with a chip on it. Can I send it
to you to be repaired?
A: No, we do not do repairs, you would need to contact an expert in
art restorations. Following are a few restorers to consider:
Ceramic Restorations of Westchester
Peekskill, NY
(914) 734-8410
www.CollectorsResources.com
Art Restoration, Inc.
Dallas, TX
(214) 350-0811
Robert Bahna Sans-Souci-North
Miami, FL
(305) 895-7373
Craig Dodge Restorations
St. Louis, MO
(314) 843-1931
R. DiCarlo
Orlando, FL
(407) 886-7423
Brookes Restorations & Engraving Co.
Los Angeles, CA
(310) 659-8253
H.A. Eberhardt & Sons
Philadelphia, PA
(215) 568-4144
Bill Funk
Coconut Creek, FL
(954) 979-0645
Phoenix Restoration
Phoenix, AZ
(602) 263-5178
Pick Up The Pieces
Costa Mesa, CA
(714) 645-9955
Dale Moore Art & Restoration
Knoxville, TN
(423) 691-2887
Richard Romaniak
Park Ridge, IL
(847) 292-0059
Trefler & Sons
Needham, MA
(781) 444-2685
Wiebolt, Inc.
Terrace Park, OH
(513) 831-2541
Restorations by Valerie
4 Country Club Court
Livingston, NJ 07039
(973)887-7326
Restorations by Patricia
Nutley, NJ
(973) 235-0234
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Retired
Q: I would like to know the value of some of my figurines
now that they are retired. If I give you the name of a figurine, can
you tell me what it is worth?
A: The Society and Miller Import Corp. do not deal in the secondary
market. We can tell you the last retail price of the figurine. With
the figurine's name and style number, a secondary market should be
able to supply you with the information you are looking for. You can
reach the Ohi exchange at 800-627-1600 or CIB at 847-842-2200.
Q: I am looking for a figurine that was recently retired.
I understand that dealers sometimes have retired figurines in stock.
Is there any way you can tell me who would have the figurine I am
looking for?
A: No. There is no way for us to know what Dealers have on-hand. Additionally,
some dealers do purchase secondary market figurines. We suggest you
contact an Authorized Dealer in your area or a secondary market source
when looking for retired figurines.
Q: How do I find out more information about retired
Disney/Giuseppe Armani figurines?
A: Contact The Society with the figurines name and/or style number
for more information. You can reach The Society at
society@millerimportcorp.com, or by phone at 800-3-ARMANI or 732-417-0330.
Back to top.
Trip
Q: I am planning a trip to Italy. Is it possible for
me to visit Florence Sculture d'Arte?
A: Florence Sculture d'Arte will only schedule tours for Members of
The Society when possible. Tours are only given on Thursdays and must
be scheduled through The Society at least two weeks prior to the tour.
To schedule a tour, contact The Society at 800-3-ARMANI or 732-417-0330.
Q: I understand a free trip to Europe is being offered
by Giuseppe Armani/Florence Sculture d'Arte. How can I enter to win
this free trip?
A: When you purchase "Celeste,"
the Figurine of the Year for 2000, return the postcard included in
the box. The trip is a five-day, four-night stay in Florence, Italy.
During the trip, the winner will get to meet Giuseppe Armani.
Q: I sent in a postcard for a trip to Italy. When will
the drawing take place?
A: The drawing for the five-day, four-night trip to Italy will be
January 31, 2001.
Back to top.
Display
Q: I have recently purchased a large Giuseppe Armani
sculpture and find I need a pedestal for it. Where can I get help
finding information for such a pedestal for my Armani figurine?
A: Any Giuseppe Armani/Florence Sculture d'Arte Authorized Dealer
will be able to supply you with information for a pedestal.
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