While the Rosenthal Porcelain Factory grew from humble decorating roots — as many pottery companies do — it eventually built a list of universally revered designer and artist partners that included Andy Warhol and Salvador Dalí. And after securing an enviable position as a top manufacturer of serveware and dominating the porcelain and bone china markets, Rosenthal expanded into furniture production, working with influential designers Verner Panton, Luigi Colani and Günther Ferdinand Ris and Herbert Selldorf.
German-born Jewish businessman Philipp Rosenthal founded the company in 1879 in Bavaria. It began as his modest workshop where he painted porcelain and encountered success with porcelain ashtrays. Rosenthal hired the best designers and clay modelers he could find. Adolf Oppel designed figurative Art Nouveau pieces, while Eleonore (Lore) Friedrich-Gronau produced decorative objects, namely her graceful porcelain dancer figurines, for the company.
Dinnerware, though, would be a Rosenthal mainstay. Between 1904 and 1910, Rosenthal produced its renowned dinnerware lines such as Donatello, Darmstadt and Isolde. These were introduced as unornamented white pieces — only later were they given their underglaze designs.
Rosenthal founder Philipp, a Catholic of Jewish ancestry, resigned in 1934 as the company’s president due to pressures owing to discriminatory German laws that took shape during the rise of the Nazi regime. Rosenthal died in 1937, and the family fled to America. The company would not regain its footing until 1950 when Rosenthal’s son, Philip, joined the firm and, in 1958, became chairman and dubbed Germany’s “China King.” At its peak, the company had 10,000 employees.
In the 1950s, Rosenthal’s modernist dinnerware was a significant part of the brand’s offerings, and by 1961 they introduced the famed Rosenthal Studio Line. Although furniture designers and ceramicists would lead the list of individuals working with Rosenthal — among them Tapio Wirkkala, Max Weber and Lisa Larson — the company eventually reached out to fine artists, not only Dalí and Warhol but Sandro Chia and Kenny Scharf. Rosenthal also collaborated with fashion designers Gianni Versace and Donatella Versace.
In a daring move in 1972, the company diversified into furniture, collaborating with some of the giants of mid-century modern design. The revolutionary Sunball chair, an icon of Space Age seating crafted by Selldorf and Ris, was among Rosenthal’s stellar successes in this venture.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Rosenthal ceramics, porcelain, tableware, seating and more.
Black by Rosenthal Sterling Silver and Porcelain Flatware Service Set 50 Pcs
By Rosenthal
Located in Big Bend, WI
Variation black by Rosenthal sterling silver and porcelain handle dinner flatware set - 50 pieces. This set includes: Ten dinner knives, 8 1/4", ten dinner forks, 7 7/8", 10 sala...
Sterling Silver
Vintage German Sterling Silver Flatware Set for Twelve Persons Circa 1970
By Rosenthal
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive vintage German sterling silver Lotus pattern canteen of cutlery for twelve persons made by Rosenthal; an addition to our antique flatware sets. The pieces of this exceptional and extensive vintage German sterling silver cutlery service for twelve persons has been crafted in the Lotus pattern. The lower portion of each handle is embellished with an impressive organic design, all in the iconic Art Nouveau manner. This vintage canteen consists of 112 pieces: Basic Service: 12 Table knives 12 Table forks 12 Dessert knives 12 Dessert forks 12 Dessert spoons 12 Fish/hors d'oeuvre knives 12 Fish/hors d'oeuvre forks 12 Coffee spoons 12 Teaspoons Additional Pieces: Pair of serving spoons Large serving fork Small serving fork The pieces of this silver flatware set, including the original knives, have been crafted by the German silversmith Rosenthal; often this maker manufactured items in a lower grade of silver or silver plate, indicating the high quality of this sterling silver service. This vintage canteen of cutlery is supplied in felt cutlery rolls; which not only protect the items in storage but significantly reduce tarnishing. NOTE: This item contains knives and is only available for sale to persons aged 18 or over. Proof of age will be required upon purchase. Condition This vintage German sterling silver Lotus pattern cutlery set is a superior gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition. Each piece has been professionally polished and is in presentation condition. The German hallmarks struck to the reverse of each piece are all very clear; the hallmarks are struck deeply due to the superior gauge of silver. Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine and impressive Rosenthal flatware...
Sterling Silver
$6,418 / set
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Craftsman by Towle Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 48 pieces
By Towle Silversmiths
Located in Big Bend, WI
Stately in perfect proportion, this design is an elegant execution of form and function. Very unassuming in appearance yet every bit as formal as our other patterns, Craftsman’s unadorned surface displays the magnificence of high quality sterling silver to its fullest. Craftsman by Towle...
Sterling Silver
Chantilly Sterling Silver Flatware by Gorham, Service for Twelve
By Henry Birks
Located in Bronx, NY
This vintage stylish sterling silver service for twelve is designed in the Chantilly pattern, by Gorham. The signature is found in a groove on the back of each handle & dates the...
Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel
Victorian Sterling Silver Fish Service for Eighteen Persons
By John Gilbert & Sons
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver Lily pattern fish cutlery set for eighteen persons - boxed; an addition to our dining silverware collection This exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver flatware...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$4,569
H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.4 in
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Cypres by Tias Eckhoff Cutlery Set for 8 Persons
By Georg Jensen, Tias Eckhoff
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Georg Jensen silver Denmark Cypres cutlery set for 8 persons in sterling silver designed by Tias Eckhoff in 1952. The set includes: 8 dining knives, length 22.3 cm 8 dining fork...
Sterling Silver
$6,197 / set
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Craftsman by Towle Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 46 Pieces
By Towle Silversmiths
Located in Big Bend, WI
Craftsman by Towle sterling silver flatware set, 46 pieces. This set includes: 8 knives, 8 5/8" 8 forks, 7 3/8" 8 salad forks, 6 1/2" 8 teaspoons, ...
Sterling Silver
Rosenthal porcelain dinner service "Maria", Germany 1966
By Rosenthal
Located in Delft, NL
Rosenthal porcelain dinner service "Maria", Germany 1966 A white porcelain dinner service set by Rosenthal, Germany Dated with the Rosenthal mark of 1966 The romantic set called " M...
Porcelain
$16,500 / set
H 8.63 in W 1 in D 0.3 in
75 Pc. Georg Jensen Caravel Sterling Silver Flatware Dinner Service for 12
By Georg Jensen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine 75-piece Georg Jensen sterling silver flatware set. Designed by Henning Koppel. In the Caravel pattern. Set comprises: 12 Dinner Forks (7 3/8") 12 Salad Forks (6 1/2") 12 Tea Spoons (5 15/16") 12 Place Spoons...
Sterling Silver
Louis XV Reed & Barton Silver Flatware Set
By Reed & Barton
Located in Queens, NY
French "Francis 1st pattern" 1920s sterling silver flatware dinner service set for 18 with a rococo floral design in a mahogany case. 250 pieces. (REED & B...
Sterling Silver, Brass
Pyramid by Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Flatware Set 87 pcs
By Georg Jensen
Located in Fraser, MI
Georg Jensen 87 piece sterling silver Pyramid flatware set. Each piece monogrammed: SSB 12 Soup Spoons 15 Tea Spoons 12 Butter Knives 12 Dinner Knives 11 Salad Forks 12 Dinner Fork...
Sterling Silver
$3,275 / set
H 10.5 in W 25.63 in D 15.5 in
Romance, Bijorn Windblad Rosenthal Silverplate Flatware for 12 with Case 79 Pcs
By Bijorn Winblad, Rosenthal
Located in St. Louis, MO
Romance by Bijorn Windblad for Rosenthal Studio-Linie Mid-Century Modern silver plate flatware for 12 with service pieces in original modernist Rosenth...
Steel
Tiffany & Co. San Lorenzo Silver Flatware Service, 248 Pieces
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New Orleans, LA
This extensive 248-piece sterling silver flatware service was crafted by the legendary Tiffany & Co. in the classic San Lorenzo pattern. Inspired by and named after the famous Florentine Church of San Lorenzo, the motif displays a highly architectural design that is typical of the Renaissance Revival style. From the fine piercing to the gilt accents, the care and attention given to the crafting of each piece embodies Tiffany's commitment to extraordinary craftsmanship. The complete service for 12 is housed in its two-tiered, custom-fitted Tiffany & Co. chest. The silver flatware of Tiffany & Co. is among the finest in the world, as well as the most enduring. Each hand-finished piece incorporates the timeless designs and quality craftsmanship that makes Tiffany one of the world's leading silversmiths. Since their first international recognition at the 1867 Paris World's Fair, Tiffany has supplied silver to numerous royal families throughout Europe, as well as elite American families including the Astors and Vanderbilts. Each piece is marked "Tiffany & Co. Sterling Pat. 1916" with the date letter "m" for the directorship of John C. Moore, which dates this service between 1907 and 1947. Chest: 23 1/2" wide x 19 1/4" deep x 6 1/4" high This service comprises: 12 entree knives 12 luncheon knives 12 dessert knives 12 entree forks 12 salad forks 12 oyster forks 12 luncheon forks 12 fish forks 12 ice cream forks 24 teaspoons 12 tablespoons 12 gumbo spoons 12 cream / bouillon spoons 12 demitasse spoons 12 salt cellar spoons...
Sterling Silver
Rosenthal porcelain dinner "Romanze" set by Björn Wiinblad, 1958
By Rosenthal, Bjorn Wiinblad
Located in Delft, NL
Rosenthal porcelain dinner "Romanze" set by Björn Wiinblad, 1958 A beautiful white porcelain dinner set with relief and blue painted centre The set is made by the manufacturer Rosen...
Porcelain
Sterling and Porcelain Salt Shakers
By Rosenthal
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A hand painted moss-rose pattern decorates these delicate salt shakers, both around the belly and neck. Deep shades of green and red against the antique-wh...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Eccentrica by Rosenthal Bulgari Sterling Silver Flatware Set 54 pc Modernist Din
By Rosenthal
Located in Big Bend, WI
Scarce Eccentrica by Rosenthal Bulgari modern sterling silver flatware set, 54 pieces. The pieces are large and massively heavy. This set includes: 8 Dinner Knives, 9 7/8" 8 Dinner ...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 9 in W 11 in D 4.5 in
Sandra Kravitz For Rosenthal Silver Plate Tree of Life Judaica Candlestick
By Rosenthal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Sandra Kravitz for Rosenthal silver plate tree of life Judaica candlestick. Item features original box, original labels, clean modernist lines, qua...
Silver Plate
Rosenthal Porcelain with Silver Cap and Base Salt and Pepper Set
By Rosenthal
Located in Brooklyn, NY
We are proud to offer this pair of sterling silver and porcelain salt and pepper shakers. Made by the world renowned porcelain company, Rosenthal of Bavaria. Hand painted gold leaf s...
Sterling Silver
Rosenthal Porcelain with Silver Cap and Base Salt and Pepper Set
By Rosenthal
Located in Brooklyn, NY
We are proud to offer this pair of sterling silver and porcelain salt and pepper shakers. Made by the world renowned porcelain company, Rosenthal of Bavaria. Hand painted gold leaf s...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 9 in W 1 in D 0.5 in
Midcentury Romance Sterling Silver Service for 8 by Bjørn Winbald for Rosenthal
By Rosenthal, Bjørn Wiinblad
Located in New York, NY
This sterling silver flatware service for eight was designed by the Bjørn Wiinbald for Rosenthal in 1962. Wiinbald began his career in Denmark as a ceramicist and quickly became well...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 1 in W 1 in D 1 in
Eccentrica by Rosenthal Bulgari Sterling Silver Flatware Set 90 Pc Modern Dinner
By Rosenthal
Located in Big Bend, WI
Superb Modernist "Eccentrica" by Rosenthal for Bulgari flatware set of 90 pieces. This exceptional set includes: 12 dinner knives, 9 3/4" 12 dinner forks, 8 3/8" 12 regular kniv...
Sterling Silver
Mid-Century Service for 12 Sterling Flatware by Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal
By Rosenthal, Bjørn Wiinblad
Located in New York, NY
This stunning set of 12 is extremely rare and long out of production. It was designed by Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal and has a nice heavy weight to these pieces. It has 12 dinner kn...
Modernist Sterling and Gold Flatware by Bjorn Windblad for Rosenthal
By Rosenthal
Located in New York, NY
This stunning and out of production (and rare) modernist sterling flatware designed by Bjorn Windblad for Rosenthal in Germany, 1968. Service for 8 includes eight of the following: d...
Sterling Silver, Gold
Sold
H 0.1 in W 0.1 in D 0.1 in
ROMANCE BY ROSENTHAL Gold Accent Sterling Silver Flatware Service 12 Set 96 pcs
By Rosenthal
Located in Big Bend, WI
Fabulous Mid-Century Modern ROMANCE BY ROSENTHAL GOLD ACCENT Sterling Silver 96 piece set. This set includes: 12 DINNER KNIVES, 9 1/8" 12 DINNER FORKS, 7 7/8" 12 SALAD FORKS, 7"...
Sterling Silver