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.
Antique Rosenthal Porcelain Pierrot Clown Figurine No. 436 by A. Caasmann
By Rosenthal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique German Jugendstil porcelain figurine. Designed by Albert Caasmann for Rosenthal in 1916. In the form of a Pierrot clown playing an acc...
Porcelain
Rudolf Kaesbach Nude for Rosenthal
By Rudolf Kaesbach, Rosenthal
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A nice porcelain or parian type figurine of a nude female by Rudolf Kaesbach for Rosenthal. In very good condition signed on the base and marked Rosenthal on the bottom. It is 12 inc...
Porcelain
Postmodern White Glazed Porcelain Glove Mold by Rosenthal
By Rosenthal
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This mold is made in glazed porcelain. It was inspired by those ones designed by Gio Ponti for Ginori. This is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight t...
Porcelain
Large Art Deco Figure Group 'Young Love' by J. Limburg Rosenthal, Germany
By Rosenthal
Located in Vienna, AT
Admirable Rosenthal figurine group by Josef Limburg Manufactory: Rosenthal / Selb / Bavaria / Germany Dating: manufactured circa 1925 Material and technique: porcelain / chinaware / painted / glossy finish Design: Josef Limburg 1923 'Young Love' Two naked cherubs kissing each other; a seated putto hugs the second boy crawling towards him and kisses him on the mouth; modest painting; The group of figures is based on a flat rock...
Porcelain
Art Déco Porcelain Figurine 'Merry March', C. Holzer-Defanti, Rosenthal Germany
By Constantin Holzer-Defanti, Rosenthal
Located in Vienna, AT
Very rare Porcelaine Figurine after the dancer Lena Amsel: Dancer in an exotic Pierrot costume with a zigzag pattern, with large flounced cuffs and ma...
Porcelain
Hunter with Dog Figurine by Hugo Meisel for Rosenthal, Germany, 1920s
By Hugo Meisel, Rosenthal
Located in Milan, IT
Elegant and large porcelain figurine depicting a young hunter accompanied by his loyal hound, designed by Hugo Meisel and produced by Rosenthal in Germany during the 1920s. The finel...
Porcelain
Macaw On A Trunk, Large Porcelain Animal Figure, By Rosenthal, Germany, Mid 20th
By Fritz Heidenreich, Rosenthal
Located in Vienna, AT
Highly decorative representation of a macaw perched on a tree trunk entwined with a climbing plant, leaning forward to reach with its beak the berries held in its left claw. Set on a...
Porcelain
Antique Rosenthal Gustav Oppel Salambo Porcelain Snake Charmer Figurine 11"
By Rosenthal
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Art Deco 1920's Rosenthal porcelain figurine number H 956 titled "Salambo," designed by Gustav Oppel. Depicts a young, female snake charmer with b...
Porcelain
Rosenthal, Gustav Oppel, 'Salambo', Art Deco Porcelain Figure, Circa 1930's
By Rosenthal
Located in Chatham, ON
Rosenthal- Gustav Oppel (1891-1978) - 'Salambo' - Model Number 956/2 - Fine Art Deco 'snake charmer' porcelain figurine - hand painted - featuring gold gi...
Porcelain
1910s Rosenthal Putto & Monkey Porcelain Sculpture by Ferdinand Liebermann
By Ferdinand Liebermann, Rosenthal
Located in Vienna, AT
An unusual porcelain figurine displaying a putto being deloused by a monkey. This figurine was created by the German designer Ferdinand Liebermann in 1910 and manufactured Rosenthal ...
Porcelain
Greek Dancer Rosenthal by Liebermann
By Rosenthal
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
Greek dancer Rosenthal by Liebermann.
Porcelain
Mid-Century Rosenthal Porcelain Figurine of a Woman by L. Friedrich-Gronau
By Rosenthal, Lore Friedrich-Gronau
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage German porcelain figurine. Designed by Lore Friedrich-Gronau for Rosenthal. In the form of an elegant woman in a strapless white dress and jewelry. Marked the base ...
Porcelain
Raymond Peynet for Rosenthal Studioline Rare Mid-Century Modern French Sculpture
By Raymond Peynet, Rosenthal
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Beautiful Mid-Century porcelain sculpture designed by French artist / cartoonist Raymond Peynet (1908-1999) for German porcelain manufacturer Rosenthal in circa 1958, as part of the ...
Porcelain, Pottery
1900s Rosenthal Putto Monkey Porcelain Sculpture, Ferdinand Liebermann, Germany
By Rosenthal, Ferdinand Liebermann
Located in Vienna, AT
An unusual porcelain figurine displaying a putto being deloused by a monkey. This figurine was created by the German designer Ferdinand Liebermann in 1910 and manufactured Rosenthal ...
Porcelain
$1,771Sale Price|30% Off
Art Deco Porcelain Charming Serpent Statue, Berthold Boess, Rosenthal Selb
By Rosenthal
Located in Lisbon, PT
A Rosenthal porcelain figure of a snake charmer, after model by Berthold Boesz, pattern nr K442. Bibelot in the shape of an Egyptian-style woman, enchanting a small snake on a recta...
Porcelain
Mid-Century Modern Porcelain Sculpture by Eva Moshack for Rosenthal
By Rosenthal
Located in Kelkheim (Taunus), HE
Rosenthal Sculptural Figure, Model 5015 – Designed by Eva Moshack, Germany, 1950s An elegant figurative sculpture produced by the renowned Rosenthal porcelain manufactory, designed ...
Porcelain
Large Porcelain Group 'Spring of Love' by R. Aigner Rosenthal Selb Germany, 1916
By Rosenthal, Richard Aigner
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent Large Art Nouveau Group: Monumental depiction of a pair of lovers in intimate embrace: Unclothed young lady sitting on a pedestal and kissing the naked young man standing ...
Porcelain
Large Porcelain Group 'Joy of Life' by J. Limburg Rosenthal Selb Germany Ca 1923
By Limburg, Rosenthal
Located in Vienna, AT
Extremely Rare Large Art Nouveau Group: Monumental figure of Flora with chin-length hair in a long dress loosely embracing the beautiful body, her right foot resting on a low pedest...
Porcelain
Pygmalion Porcelain Sculpture by Sandro Chia Rosenthal 1989 Studio Line
By Rosenthal, Sandro Chia
Located in Milan, Italy
Pygmalion white porcelain sculpture executed in 50 numbered copies. Prod. Rosenthal, 1989 Signed on the base: S. Chia. Plate under the base: Pygmalion Sandro Chia Rosenthal 49/50. ...
Porcelain
Large Porcelain Figurine 'Cabaret', by R. Marcuse, Rosenthal Selb Germany, 1920
By Rosenthal
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Nouveau beauty with chin-length dark brown hair, in a strapless dress with a deep neckline decorated with elaborate floral embroidery at the front and back and a softly falling, wave-like billowing skirt hem, posing bent to the side and playing a lute. Based on a round, white, fluted plinth, artist's signature 'RUDOLF MARCUSE...
Porcelain
German Porcelain Ballerina, Rosenthal, circa 1920
By Rosenthal
Located in New York, NY
Marked on the bottom of base "Rosenthal Selb-Bavaria".
Porcelain
Large Rosenthal Moortgat german porcelain Jesus circa 1930
By Rosenthal
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible sculpture in german porcelain signed Rosenthal Moortgat circa 1930 representing Jesus Art deco
Porcelain
Art Deco Rosenthal Porcelain Pierrot Clown Figure Albert Caasmann For Rosenthal
By Rosenthal
Located in West Palm Beach, US
Art Deco Rosenthal Porcelain Pierrot Clown Figure by Albert Caasmann, Accordion Player Description Art Deco Rosenthal porcelain figure of a Pierrot clown playing an accordion, model...
Porcelain
Porcelain Figure, Seated Oriental Woman with Mirror, R. Förster, Rosenthal, 1923
By Rosenthal
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare Art Deco porcelain figurine of the 1920s. Young oriental woman sitting on a rock with her leg up, looking at herself in a hand mirror and adjusting her headgear. Sparing painti...
Porcelain
$3,000Sale Price|50% Off
H 11.82 in W 11.82 in D 19.69 in
Porcelain Figure Group Playing the Blind Man's Buff 19th Century, German
Located in Lantau, HK
Porcelain figure group playing the Blind man's buff Beautifully crafted artwork, hand painted 19th century, French. Dimensions: 50 x 30 x 30 cm (approximate). Shipping cost not in...
Porcelain
On Hold|$915 / set
H 5.71 in W 6.11 in D 6.7 in
Fritz Heidenreich Rosenthal Mid-Century Large Pair Porcelain Doves
By Fritz Heidenreich
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning and quality pair German Rosenthal mid-century large porcelain doves designed by renowned sculptor Fritz Heidenreich (German, 1895-1966). The ...
Porcelain
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
H 6.5 in W 4.5 in D 3.25 in
Art Deco Figurine of 'Mata Hari' by Capodimonte / Naples Porcelain Company
By Capodimonte
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Art Deco Figurine of 'Mata Hari' by Capodimonte / Naples Porcelain Company Italy, circa 1925 An exceptional work, displaying grace and movement, subtly hand- painted. The seductive turban and gold earring wearing dancer draped in a White and Iron-Red Moon and Star motif garment, on a tasseled pillow. Hence our Mata Hari, attribution/suggestion. The name Mata Hari, is a Malay expression for the sun. Literally meaning “eye of the day"/ dawn of the day' This exquisite figure, depicts the The dancer (Mata Hari ?) as the sun-wearing the moon and stars. Marked with the variation Blue underglaze Crown & N. In remarkable well cared for condition, some minor wear to the gilt. The figurine stands...
Porcelain
Rosenthal Porcelain Borzoi Dog Sculpture
By Rosenthal
Located in Norwood, NJ
Porcelain dog sculpture, Borzoi/ Russian Wolfhound, depicting a Borzoi lying on the floor with outstretched forelegs, naturalistic polychrome painted , signed on the back above the standing edge. This vintage detailed Borzoi figurine...
Porcelain
$195
H 5 in W 4.5 in D 3.5 in
Rosenthal Studio Line by Uta Feyl, White Curved Geometric Porcelain Bisque Vase
By Rosenthal, Uta Feyl
Located in New York, NY
Rosenthal Studio line white porcelain bisque vase by Uta Feyl, circa 1980s. Stunning curved geometric shape. Measurements: H 5" W 4.5" D 3.5"
Ceramic, Porcelain
$1,676
H 5.91 in W 4.34 in D 2.76 in
Age Art Deco Porcelain Figurine from Hungarian Porcelain Hollóháza
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Age Art Deco porcelain figurine from Hungarian porcelain Hollóháza About Holloaza Hollohaza porcelain is one of the oldest porcelain manufactory ...
Porcelain
Antique Rosenthal Glove Mold Pair from Germany
Located in San Diego, CA
Great part of Rosenthal porcelain glove molds. These are both marked by the maker and made in Germany. In excellent condition.
Large Art Deco Rosenthal Porcelain Figurine The Korean Dancer H566
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large porcelain figurine was manufactured by the Rosenthal Porcelain Factory and is entitled 'Korean Dancer' and made in circa 1927 in the period Art Deco style. This figurine was designed by the Austrian sculptor Constantin Holzer-Decanti who worked for the factory until 1927 and was inspired by the well known dancer, Anita Berber...
Porcelain
$1,973
H 6.3 in Dm 4.14 in
Art Deco Porcelain Lid Box Pagoda Form Rosenthal Selb Bavaria Schwalb Germany
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco Vintage multicolored porcelain lid box by Rosenthal Selb Bavaria Schwalb circa 1939 Germany. A graceful hand painted Art Deco lid box ...
Porcelain
Augarten Vienna Porcelain Figurine Nude
By Augarten Porzellanmanufaktur
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Lovely porcelain figurine of a nude by the Augarten Porcelain Manufacture of Vienna, Austria. Marked with the company logo on the base. In excellent condition. Some museum wax and st...
Porcelain
$360Sale Price|20% Off
H 3 in W 5 in D 2 in
Finest Quality Rosenthal Germany French Bulldog Porcelain Dog Figurine
By Rosenthal
Located in Tustin, CA
Finest quality, vintage retired, handmade and hand painted in Germany, Rosenthal porcelain French Bull dog figurine. The dog has been masterfully hand...
Porcelain
Rosenthal Porcelain Figurine of a Poodle Dog
By Rosenthal
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Rosenthal porcelain figurine of a dog. It depicts a hand painted full of details tall poodle standing up with a green belt in his neck. The Rosenthal hallmark is below the ...
Porcelain
Sold
H 9.85 in W 7.88 in D 7.09 in
Porcelain Figurine 'Pearl Seeker' K. Himmelstoss, Rosenthal Selb Germany, 1920
By Rosenthal, Karl Himmelstoss
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent Rosenthal figurine of the 1920s: Unclothed girl with a wreath of flowers on her shoulder-length hair parted in the middle, kneeling on the ground with her right leg and pic...
Porcelain
Sold
H 12.25 in W 6.5 in D 6.5 in
Fritz Klimsch Rosenthal Biscuit Porcelain “Crouching Women” Circa 1940 Sculpture
By Rosenthal, Fritz Klimsch
Located in Atlanta, GA
Fritz Klimsch (German, 1870-1960) for Rosenthal (German, founded 1879), circa 1940. "Crouching Women" model in biscuit porcelain. Signed to sculpture base.
Approx: 12.25" H X 6....
Ceramic
Sold
H 4 in W 3 in D 2.5 in
Porcelain Mini Tea Pot by Barbara Brenner for Rosenthal Collectible Mini Series
By Rosenthal, Barbara Brenner
Located in San Diego, CA
A stylish petite teapot designed by Barbara Brenner and manufactured by Rosenthal in Germany, it's in lovely condition. An iconic piece of Rosenthal Studio Linie. Part of the Mini se...
Porcelain
Sold
H 8 in W 5.5 in D 3.5 in
Art Déco German Glazed Porcelain Sculpture of a Sitting Buddha by Rosenthal
By Rosenthal
Located in North Miami, FL
Art Déco/Chinoiserie german glazed porcelain sculpture of a meditative sitting Buddha designed by Richard Förster for Rosenthal By: Richard Förster, Rosenthal Material: porcelain, c...
Enamel
Porcelain Lady Sculpture by Rosenthal from the 1940s
By Rosenthal
Located in Milano, MI
Porcelain figurine of a lady, made by Rosenthal in the 1940s Ø cm 13 Ø cm 12 h cm 23 Rosenthal is a German company founded in 1879 in Bavaria. It produces porcelain and tableware. ...
Porcelain
Rosenthal Porcelain Hand, Germany, 1950s
By Rosenthal
Located in Naples, IT
Made of glazed porcelain. It is inspired by those designed by Gio Ponti for Ginori. It is a period piece, so it may show slight traces of use, but can be considered to be in very goo...
Ceramic
Sold
H 16.34 in W 7.88 in D 5.52 in
Large Porcelain Figure 'Lotus Flower' by K. Himmelstoss Rosenthal Selb Ca 1924
By Rosenthal, Karl Himmelstoss
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent rare Rosenthal figurine of the 1920s: Young woman in short strap dress with artfully braided and pinned up hair and ornamented belly band, head turned to the left and look...
Porcelain
Sold
H 13.78 in Dm 4.73 in
Art Déco Figure 'Tschaokium' by C. Holzer-Defanti, Rosenthal Germany, circa 1920
By Rosenthal, Constantin Holzer-Defanti
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent porcelain figurine of the early 20th century: Standing dancer in Asian costume: the fine smooth face with long stylised eyebrows tapering in front and high forehead with h...
Porcelain
Sold
H 15.56 in W 7.88 in D 4.73 in
Art Déco Porcelain Figure Korean Dance by C. Holzer-Defanti Rosenthal Germany
By Rosenthal, Constantin Holzer-Defanti
Located in Vienna, AT
Dancer in an oriental costume with traditional Korean looking headdress, with raised, bent legs and arms performing a dance pose, a Chinese pagoda leaning against her leg. The figure...
Porcelain
Sold
H 4.34 in W 11.03 in D 3.55 in
Art Deco Porcelain Figurine 'Moon Dance', B. Boess, Rosenthal Selb Germany, 1924
By Rosenthal
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant Rosenthal Art Déco Porcelan Figurine of the 1920s: Kneeling dancer with head tilted back, gaze directed upwards, in blue costume with gold-trimmed bustier and softly falling skirt...
Porcelain
Sold
H 13.98 in W 6.7 in D 4.73 in
Art Déco Porcelain Figurine 'Merry March', C. Holzer-Defanti, Rosenthal Germany
By Constantin Holzer-Defanti, Rosenthal
Located in Vienna, AT
Very rare Porcelaine Figurine after the dancer Lena Amsel: Dancer in an exotic Pierrot costume with a zigzag pattern, with large flounced cuffs and mat...
Porcelain
Sold
H 12.21 in Dm 4.34 in
Art Déco Porcelain Figurine 'Tsarina', by C. Holzer-Defanti, Rosenthal Germany
By Constantin Holzer-Defanti, Rosenthal
Located in Vienna, AT
Extremely rare Porcelaine Figurine of the late 1920s: Lifelike depiction of the dancer Tamara Karsavina as Zobeide from the Russian ballet 'Scheheraz...
Porcelain