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.
$2,045Sale Price|20% Off
Rosenthal Designer Art Porcelain Tea Set for Six, "Leda" by Paul Wunderlich
By Paul Wunderlich, Rosenthal
Located in Berlin, DE
Rosenthal designer porcelain tea set for six. "Leda" Paul Wunderlich. Exclusive tea service, made of German porcelain, signed Paul Wunderlich, edition 500/14, ground mark Rosenth...
Porcelain
Pair Rosamonde Nairac Vases, Rosenthal, circa 1960's
By Rosenthal
Located in Chappaqua, NY
Pair Rosamonde Nairac vases for Rosenthal, circa 1960's. White porcelain with raised, wavy pattern.
Porcelain
$937Sale Price|25% Off
Ambrogio Pozzi for Rosenthal Studio-Line, Austria, White Porcelain Vase
By Ambrogio Pozzi, Rosenthal
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ambrogio Pozzi for Rosenthal Studio-Line, Austria, white porcelain vase.
Ceramic, Porcelain
$140Sale Price|20% Off
Bjørn Wiinblad Christmas Plate 1987 "Christmas Carols"
By Rosenthal, Bjørn Wiinblad
Located in Brønshøj, DK
Bjørn Wiinblad porcelain Christmas plate 1987, produced by Rosenthal Motif: O du fröhliche Designed by: Bjørn Wiinblad Diameter: 11" - 29 cm Comes in original box and pamphlet. ...
Porcelain
Mid-Century Vintage Trio of Lisa Larson for Rosenthal Ceramic Candle Holders
By Rosenthal
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Beautiful set / trio of candleholders designed by Swedish studio ceramist / potter Lisa Larson (b. 1931) for the German company Rosenthal stamped and marked "Rosenthal - Studio Line" on the base. Fun, flower shaped candlestick holders produced circa 1970-1980. Measurements are: Larger stands...
Ceramic, Clay
Set of 3 Framed Porcelain Plates, Modern, Signed, German, 1980s
By Rosenthal
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Rosenthal collectible, set of three framed German plates. One by Vasarely, 1936. "Leben und Leben lassen, Liben und Lieben lassen" Limited edition, s...
Porcelain
Domino' Coffee Table by Jan Wichers and Alexander Blomberg
By Jan Wichers, Rosenthal, Alexander Blomberg
Located in Longmont, CO
Squared dark grey ‘Domino’ coffee table, 1979 designed by Jan Wichers and Alexander Blomberg manufactured by Rosenthal, Munich Germany versatile modular coffee table that can easily ...
Wood, Lacquer
Vase Tapio Wirkkala & Dorothy Hafner for Rosenthal Studio, New Wave Series 1980s
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Bastogne, BE
Vintage vase for flowers in textured glazed porcelain by Rosenthal, Century New Wave Series, c.1980s. This work of Postmodern design captures collaboration of American and Finnish ...
Porcelain
Original Porcelain Op Art Vase by Christa Galtz for Rosenthal Germany, 1970s
By Rosenthal
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Op art porcelain vase Produced: Rosenthal, Germany Designer: Christa Galtz Decade: 1970s Description: This original vintage Op Art vase set was pr...
Porcelain
1990s Modernist White Porcelain German Design Table Lamp by Rosenthal
By Rosenthal
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A modernist white porcelain table lamp designed and manufactured in Germany by Rosenthal in the Nineties, the porcelain base has a round shape with an asymmetrical hole in the middle...
Porcelain
Vase Model 2646 by Beate Kuhn for Rosenthal, 1950s
By Rosenthal, Beate Kuhn
Located in Kelkheim (Taunus), HE
Beathe Kuhn (1927-2015) was a German ceramist and ceramic sculptor. She designed asymmetrical porcelain vases for the Rosenthal AG porcelain manufactory between 1953 and 1957. Her wo...
Porcelain
Floral Porcelain Vase by Rosenthal
By Rosenthal, Rosemonde Nairac
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Urn shape floral motive porcelain vase by Rosenthal.
Porcelain
Set of 2 Abstract porcelain Vases by Cuno Fischer for Rosenthal, Germany, 1980s
By Rosenthal, Cuno Fischer
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Op Art porcelain vase set of 2 Producer: Rosenthal, Germany Designer: Cuno Fischer Decade: 1980s Set of two graphic, modernist porcelain vases...
Porcelain
Rare Rosenthal Martin Freyer white ceramic vase , 1960’s
By Rosenthal
Located in Delft, NL
Rare Rosenthal Martin Freyer white ceramic vase , 1960’s
Porcelain
Set of 2 Porcelain Vase by Björn Wiinblad for Rosenthal Studio Line Germany 1970
By Bjørn Wiinblad, Rosenthal
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Op Art porcelain vases, set of 2 Producer: Rosenthal, Germany Designer: Björn Wiinblad Decade: 1970s This original vintage Op Art vas...
Porcelain
White Ceramic Vase by Rosenthal, 1960s
By Rosenthal
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Signature of the manufacture beneath the base. Very good condition.
Ceramic
Abstract Porcelain Vases by Cuno Fischer for Rosenthal, Germany, 1980
By Rosenthal
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Op Art porcelain vase Producer: Rosenthal, Germany Designer: Cuno Fischer Decade: 1980s Rare graphic, modernist porcelain vase by German ...
Porcelain
Vintage Fornasetti for Rosenthal Gilded Medusa Porcelain Desert or Salad Plates
By Fornasetti, Rosenthal
Located in North Miami, FL
This set of 4 vintage classic porcelain plates are a collaboration between Fornasetti and Rosenthal. They have the 3 medusas on top centering the sun motif between the sun’s rays and...
Gold
Set of 2 Abstract porcelain Vases by Cuno Fischer for Rosenthal, Germany, 1980s
By Rosenthal, Cuno Fischer
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Op Art porcelain vase set of 2 Producer: Rosenthal, Germany Designer: Cuno Fischer Decade: 1980s Set of two graphic, modernist porcelain vases by German painte...
Porcelain
Rosenthal Cylinder Lead Crystal Glass Vase Vessel Diagonal Base Mid-Century
By Rosenthal
Located in Miami, FL
Striking original Rosenthal Space Age Lead crystal glass cylinder vase, vessel with diagonal base, made in Germany. It will look amazing on top o...
Crystal
Mid-Century Porcelain Cylindrical Vase w/ 24karat Gold Overlay by Rosenthal
By Rosenthal
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Rosenthal Mid-Century Porcelain Cylindrical Vase w/ 24Karat Gold Overlay originated in Germany, circa 1980. A tall, narrow cylinder crafted in high-fired white porcelain...
Gold
Bjorn Wiinblad Christmas Plate Angel with Harp 1978 Collectible Limited Ed 11 in
By Rosenthal, Bjorn Wiinblad, Bjørn Wiinblad
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Bj0rn Wiinblad Christmas Plate 1978 "Angel with Harp". limited edition 11 inches diameter. Bjørn Wiinblad porcelain Christmas plate 1978, produced by Rosenthal. Dimensions: 11.25 in....
Porcelain
Satin Porcelain Vase Duo by Fritz von Stockmayer for Rosenthal, Germany, 1940s
By Rosenthal
Located in Berlin, DE
Fritz von Stockmayer grey satin porcelain vase duo for Rosenthal, Germany, late 1940s. This refined pair of Rosenthal porcelain vases shows Stockmayer’s elegant approach to hand-pain...
Porcelain
Large 23cm OP Art Vase Porcelain Vase by Martin Freyer for Rosenthal, Germany
By Rosenthal, Martin Freyer
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: OP Art Porcelain vase Producer: Rosenthal, Germany Designer: Martin Freyer Decade: 1970s This original vintage OP Art vase was produced in the 1970s in Germa...
Glass
Emilio Pucci "Florence" Porcelain Bowl for Rosenthal, Germany, 1969-1972
By Emilio Pucci, Rosenthal
Located in Berlin, DE
Signed Emilio Pucci “Florence” porcelain XL bowl for Rosenthal, Germany, 1969-1972. This large Rosenthal porcelain bowl features the celebrated Florence décor, a vivid radial composition set against a luminous sky-blue ground. Turquoise, pink, black and white motifs extend from the centre toward the rim, giving the bowl the graphic energy and colour confidence associated with Emilio Pucci’s fashion designs. With its wide 31.5 cm diameter and low 5 cm profile, the piece has strong visual presence without feeling heavy. The glossy blue exterior and deep raised rim frame the interior pattern beautifully, making this Emilio Pucci Rosenthal...
Porcelain
Set of 2 Abstract porcelain Vases by Cuno Fischer for Rosenthal, Germany, 1980s
By Rosenthal
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Op Art porcelain vase set of 2 Producer: Rosenthal, Germany Designer: Cuno Fischer Decade: 1980s Set of two graphic, modernist porcelain vases...
Porcelain
A Rare Rosenthal Green Organic Shaped Three Tier Tobacco Jar With Pipe Rest
By Rosenthal
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Rare Mid Century Rosenthal Green Organic Shaped Three Tier Tobacco Jar With Ergonomically Shape Pipe Rest Perfect Father's Day, Christmas Present. Made in Germany Rosenthal Studio ...
Ceramic
Greek Dancer Rosenthal by Liebermann
By Rosenthal
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
Greek dancer Rosenthal by Liebermann.
Porcelain
Tapio Wirkkala Porcelaine Noire Vase and Ashtray, Rosenthal, 1960s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal
Located in Berlin, DE
Pairing of Tapio Wirkkala’s Model 7156 vase and coordinating ashtray in black Porcelaine Noire for Rosenthal Studio-Line. Rounded glossy bodies contrast with finely ringed matte surf...
Porcelain, Bisque
Martin Freyer Plissée and Cascade Bisque Porcelain Vases, Rosenthal, 1972
By Martin Freyer, Rosenthal
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of white bisque porcelain vases designed by Martin Freyer for Rosenthal Studio-Line. The tall “Plissée” vase has a finely pleated surface, while the lower “Cascade” vase feature...
Porcelain, Bisque
Pair of Rare Hand Painted Gilded Platter by Bjørn Wiinblad, 1960s
By Rosenthal, Bjørn Wiinblad
Located in Rijssen, NL
A magnificent hand painted Bjørn Wiinblad Rosenthal platter made for the studio line ceramics. Signed Bjorn Wiinblad. Decorated in 24-karat gold with an iridescent pattern. A fantastic collector’s item. Please note: This plates are heavy, weighing about pounds. It will be very well packed to ensure safe arrival. Including a rectangular platter...
Porcelain
Large OP Art Vase Porcelain German Vase by Martin Freyer for Rosenthal 1970s No2
By Rosenthal, Martin Freyer
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: OP Art Porcelain vase Producer: Rosenthal, Germany Designer: Martin Freyer Decade: 1970s This original vintage OP Art vase was produc...
Porcelain
1940s Rosenthal Porcelain Tray, Mid-Century Modern, Gold Accents
By Rosenthal
Located in Roma, IT
1940s Signed Rosenthal Decorated Porcelain Tray This tray is a prime example of Rosenthal’s craftsmanship; the company is one of the world’s most prestigious porcelain manufacturers...
Porcelain
Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal porcelain jug , 1970s
By Rosenthal
Located in Delft, NL
Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal porcelain jug , 1970s Dimensions: 15cm Height , 7cm Width , 11cm Depth Condition: Good Material: Porcelain
Porcelain
German Porcelain Ballerina, Rosenthal, circa 1920
By Rosenthal
Located in New York, NY
Marked on the bottom of base "Rosenthal Selb-Bavaria".
Porcelain
Cuno Fischer Black Matte Vase Abstract Glyphs Rosenthal Studio Line
By Rosenthal, Cuno Fischer
Located in Saint Paul, MN
Raised abstract glyphs decorate this slender vase by Cuno Fischer for Rosenthal. A perfect addition to your Cuno Fischer collection or alongside Georges Jouve and other modernist cer...
Porcelain
A Pair of Porcelain Decorative Vases, Germany by Rosenthal, 1910 - 1922
By Rosenthal
Located in Rīga, LV
A pair of porcelain decorative vases, Rosenthal, Germany, 1910 - 1922 Additional Information: Materials: Porcelain, gilding, underglaze hand painting Vintage from the 1910s Art...
Porcelain
Porcelain Decorative Vase w/ a Portrait of Georgiana Cavendish by Rosenthal
By Rosenthal
Located in Rīga, LV
Porcelain decorative vase with a portrait of Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire, Rosenthal, Germany, 1898 - 1906 Additional Information: Materials: Porcelain, gilding, un...
Porcelain
Porcelain Figure "Dancer", Germany by Rosenthal, Lore Friedrich-Gronau, 1949
By Rosenthal, Lore Friedrich-Gronau
Located in Rīga, LV
Porcelain figure "Dancer - Ursula Deinert", Rosenthal, Lore Friedrich-Gronau, Germany, 1949 Additional Information: Materials: Porcelain, underglaze hand painting Vintage from t...
Porcelain
Porcelain Figure "Cellist", Rosenthal by Ferdinand Liebermann, 1914 - 1922
By Rosenthal
Located in Rīga, LV
Porcelain figure "Cellist", Rosenthal, sculptor: Ferdinand Liebermann, Germany, 1914 - 1922 Additional Information: Materials: Porcelain, gilding, underglaze hand painting Vinta...
Porcelain
Porcelain Figure "Boy With A Baby Goat", Germany By Rosenthal, 1944
By Max Hermann Fritz, Rosenthal
Located in Rīga, LV
Porcelain figure "Boy with a baby goat", Rosenthal, sculptor: Max Fritz, Germany, 1944 Additional Information: Materials: Porcelain, underglaze hand painting Vintage from the 19...
Porcelain
20th Century German Hand Painted Ceramic Table Lamp by Rosenthal
By Rosenthal
Located in Sofia, BG
20th Century hand painted red ceramic table lamp with floral decorations by Rosenthal in very good authentic condition. Measurements without the shade 40/20 and 62/45 cm. Germany, ci...
Ceramic
Large Porcelain Golden Art Studio Vase by Rosenthal
By Rosenthal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Large porcelain golden Art Studio Line vase by Rosenthal. Signature stamp on bottom.
Porcelain
Porcelain Figure "Pierrot" Rosenthal, Sculptor Ferdinand Liebermann, 1910 - 1922
By Rosenthal
Located in Rīga, LV
Porcelain figure "Pierrot", Rosenthal, sculptor: Ferdinand Liebermann, Germany, 1910 - 1922 Additional Information: Materials: Porcelain, underglaze hand painting Vintage from t...
Porcelain
Porcelain Figure "Swear in Love", Rosenthal, Sculptor Germany by Leo Rauth, 1918
By Rosenthal
Located in Rīga, LV
Porcelain figure "Swear in love", Rosenthal, sculptor: Leo Rauth, Germany, 1918 Additional Information: Materials: Porcelain, underglaze hand painting Vintage from the 1900s Ar...
Porcelain
Rosenthal Op Art Bisque Porcelain Floor Vase, Martin Freyer, Germany, 1960s-70s
By Martin Freyer, Rosenthal
Located in Berlin, DE
Large floor vase in fine white bisque porcelain by Martin Freyer for Rosenthal Studio-Line, Germany, late 1960s to early 1970s. The surface is worked in a raised geometric relief tha...
Porcelain
Rosenthal Eosin Vase & Bowl Trio, Johan van Loon, Helmut Drexler, Germany, 1990s
By Rosenthal
Located in Berlin, DE
Three porcelain forms by Dutch designer Johan van Loon, finished in Helmut Drexler's satin multicolour Eosin decor, for Rosenthal Studio Linie, Germany, 1990s. The set comprises a bo...
Porcelain
Rosenthal Eosin Porcelain Vase Pair by Van Loon and Drexler, 1993-1994
By Rosenthal
Located in Berlin, DE
Rosenthal Eosin porcelain vase pair designed by Johan van Loon, with iridescent decoration by Helmut Drexler, Germany, 1993-1994. The two Rosenthal Studio-Line vases combine two size...
Porcelain
Coffee Dessert Service Bjørn Wiinblad by Rosenthal Hilton , 1980
By Bjørn Wiinblad, Rosenthal
Located in Bronx, NY
Coffee dessert service by Rosenthal "Hilton" 1980 Germany. Danissh artist Bjørn Wiinblad. 14 Mocca cups, 14 dessert plates, 1 creamer , 1 sugar bowl and a Coffee pot. In a shiny rose...
Porcelain
Rosenthal White Bisque Porcelain Vase Trio by Schreib, Freyer and Uhl
By Rosenthal
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of three matte white bisque porcelain vases by Werner Schreib, Martin Freyer and Werner Uhl for Rosenthal, produced in Germany during the 1970s. Each designer approaches the sur...
Porcelain
$4,091
Very Rare Artist Barcart
By Rosenthal, Herbert Hirche
Located in Munich, DE
Original designed by Herbert Hirche in 1956. This is a much rarer re-edition by Rosenthal around 1970. Only a few where made and all are different. The top is handmade in various cop...
Metal, Copper
Windmill Turquoise Porcelain Vase Duo by Jan van der Vaart for Rosenthal, 1988
By Jan van der Vaart, Rosenthal
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of glossy turquoise porcelain vases from the “Windmill” series, designed by Dutch ceramic artist Jan van der Vaart for Rosenthal Studio-Line in 1988. The set comprises two rela...
Porcelain
1970s "Queensberry Marble" Vase by Rosenthal Studio Linie, Germany
By Rosenthal
Located in Skien, NO
Stunning Mid-century Modern/Functionalist-style open-top vase in glazed pottery with the 'Queensberry Marble' pattern, circa 1970s, by Lord Queensberry, a professor of ceramic art at...
Ceramic, Pottery, Porcelain
White ceramic vase, Rosenthal White ceramic vase, Rosenthal
By Rosenthal
Located in Milano, Lombardia
White ceramic vase produced by Rosenthal in the seventies. The design, characterized by organic shapes and a white sandy surface, expresses the formal research conducted by Rosenthal...
Ceramic
Hans Theo Baumann Rosenthal Model 1703 Yellow Porcelain Vase Set, 1964
By Hans Theo Baumann, Rosenthal
Located in Berlin, DE
A set of three Rosenthal porcelain vases designed by Hans Theo Baumann in 1964. Model 1703 combines tall, tapering forms with glossy yellow porcelain and dense black geometric decora...
Porcelain
Hans Theo Baumann Rosenthal Porcelain Vase Pair in Turquoise and Purple, 1964
By Hans Theo Baumann, Rosenthal
Located in Berlin, DE
A pair of Rosenthal Studio-Line porcelain vases designed by Hans Theo Baumann in 1964. The related bottle forms are finished in glossy turquoise and violet purple, with a crisp black...
Porcelain
Pair of Achim Haigis Surface White Bisque Porcelain Vases for Rosenthal, 2007
By Rosenthal
Located in Berlin, DE
A complementary pair of matte white bisque porcelain vases from the Surface collection, designed by Achim Haigis for Rosenthal Studio-Line circa 2007. Sharing the same faceted design...
Porcelain
Rosenthal Phi City Matte White Bisque Porcelain Vase by Cairn Young, 2019
By Rosenthal
Located in Berlin, DE
Designed by British designer Cairn Young for Rosenthal, the Phi City vase is a large contemporary porcelain piece defined by an intricate surface of interlocking cubic forms. Introdu...
Porcelain
Kontiki Hand-Blown Glass Carafe and Lidded Box by Nanny Still, Rosenthal, 1993
By Rosenthal, Nanny Still
Located in Berlin, DE
This coordinated carafe and lidded box belongs to the Kontiki series, designed by Finnish glass designer Nanny Still for Rosenthal Studio-Line in 1993. Both pieces are mouth-blown in...
Glass
$92Sale Price|20% Off
Openwork plate, Rosenthal Moliere, Germany, 1938-1952
By Rosenthal
Located in Chorzów, PL
A plate with openwork sides from the Moliere series by the renowned German Rosenthal porcelain factory. Ecru porcelain decorated with gilding on the edges and a floral bouquet mot...
Porcelain