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.
ROSENTHAL - Pair of Vintage Crystal Candle Holders - Germany - Circa 1980's
By Rosenthal
Located in Chatham, ON
ROSENTHAL - Pair of vintage cut crystal candle holders - featuring polished facets to reflect the light - signed on the base of each candle holder - Germany - circa 1980's. Excellen...
Crystal
Set of 36 Papyrus Pattern Rosenthal Water, Wine and Champagne Crystal Stemware
By Rosenthal
Located in New York, NY
This remarkable set of 36 crystal stemware pieces by Rosenthal, crafted in Germany circa 1985, exemplifies the brand’s iconic elegance and craftsmanship. The "Papyrus" pattern featur...
Crystal
Rosenthal Crystal Stemware Champagne Wine Cocktail Large Set of 27 Glasses
By Rosenthal
Located in Atlanta, GA
Large Set of 27 Rosenthal Crystal Stemware, Germany, circa 1960s. There are three different size glasses, and they measure 7.25"H, 6.5"H and 6"H each.
Crystal
Rosenthal Frosted Crystal Bowl, Mid-Century Modern, Germany, 1980s
By Rosenthal
Located in Bochum, NRW
Very elegant Rosenthal Studio-Linie scalloped crystal bowl. Frosted up to mid, clear up to top, maker's mark on upper rim, Rosenthal Studio-Linie and original manufacturer's label. E...
Crystal
Set of 16 Papyrus Pattern Rosenthal Cordial & Brandy Sniffer Crystal Stemware
By Rosenthal
Located in New York, NY
This elegant set of 16 crystal stemware pieces by Rosenthal, crafted in Germany circa 1985, highlights the style and sophistication synonymous with the brand. Featuring the coveted "Papyrus" pattern, these cordial and brandy snifter glasses embody timeless design with sculpted, clean lines that exude modern refinement. The stems are exquisitely designed in a stylized calla lily motif and rendered in a luminous smoked peridot hue. This striking detail adds visual allure and contrasts beautifully with the crystal-clear bowls, deepening their luxurious charm. Comprising both cordial glasses and brandy snifters, this set is perfect for savoring fine spirits, whether during intimate gatherings or elegant soirées. Each piece showcases Rosenthal’s renowned craftsmanship, offering polish, clarity, and meticulous attention to detail. A collector’s dream or a stylish addition to any barware collection, this set blends unparalleled artistry with functional elegance. Designed to elevate any occasion, it is a true testament to Rosenthal’s enduring legacy in luxury glassware. In Excellent Vintage Condition. Germany, Circa 1985 Dimensions: Cordial - Height: 7.75" x Diameter: 2.125" Brandy Sniffer...
Crystal
Service for Six Rosenthal “Romance” Crystal Stemware by Bijorn Wiinblad
By Rosenthal, Bijorn Winblad
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Rare 1970’s German Rosenthal crystal stemware service for six by renowned Danish artist Bijorn Wiinblad. Part of Rosenthals “ Romance” Studio Line....
Crystal
Rosenthal Crystal water glasses Richly Decorated 8 pcs
By Rosenthal
Located in Verviers, BE
Rosenthal Crystal water glasses Richly Decorated 8 pcs Photography fails to capture the beauty of the pieces. In real-time, they look stunning. Very good condition Please don't ...
Crystal
Yeoward William "Crystal Collection" Pair of English Crystal Goblets
By William Yeoward
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. We have another goblet identical to these that we sell single (posted on 1stdibs). Iconic and precious crystal goblets; they have been made from the highest quality lead crystal with a thickness that is thick enough to allow them to be ground deeper than normal, which allows the light to reflect in a much brighter and more brilliant manner; for this to happen, the geometry of the grinding has also been specially designed and executed. The glasses are a delightful combination of intricate cuts and engravings and feature some of the most beautiful motifs of the 18th and 19th centuries. Every detail of the decoration, such as the glittering star wheel, is cut entirely by hand, with hours of specialized labor required to complete each piece achieving a very high standard of quality. The glasses were made in London (England) between 1995 and 1996 by the William Yeoward company, whose name they bear on the bottom (see photo), and are one of the most attractive designs in the "William Yeoward Crystal...
Crystal
$956Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 4.5 in Dm 2 in
Set of 12 Ruby Red Cut to Clear Cordials, Attributed to St. Louis
By St. Louis Crystal
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Set of 12 ruby red cut to clear cordials, attributed to St. Louis, Each one with snowflake cut glass panels, with intricate cut six stem petal mot...
Cut Glass
$440Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 7.75 in Dm 2.63 in
Set of nine Godinger King Louis Pattern Cut Crystal Hock Wine Glasses
By Godinger
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a set of nine Godinger King Louis pattern clear to color cut crystal hock wine round glasses. Their colored bowl is adorned with “feathers” altern...
Crystal
After René Lalique for Lalique, "St-Hubert" Crystal Service (42 Pieces), 1970s
By René Lalique, Lalique
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful 1950s reedition by the Lalique Manufacture of René Lalique's St-Hubert crystalware service. Composed of 14 water glasses, 14 red wine glasses and 14 white wine glasses, for...
Crystal
$4,500 / set
H 10 in Dm 10.13 in
Mid-Century Romanze Porcelain Dinner Service by Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal
By Bjørn Wiinblad, Rosenthal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine, near complete Mid-Century modern porcelain dinner service. By Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal. In the Romanze form and Medley pattern. Consisting of: 10 Large Dinner Plates ...
Porcelain
Vintage Waterford Alana Crystal Wine Glasses, Set of 4
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
The set of 4 wine glasses in Alana pattern is in very good vintage condition. Alana pattern is now retired; it was manufactured from 1952 to 2022. It is characterized by cut cross hatch with multi-sided stem. The glasses are standing xx" tall; they are signed in etching on the bottoms with Waterford logo.
Crystal
Set of Ten English Cut Crystal Wine Glasses
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful set of ten mid-20th century English Stuart crystal wine glasses with wheel and panel cut design including thumbprint impression...
Crystal
$45,000 / set
H 8.25 in Dm 2.88 in
Baccarat Condé Pattern Cobalt Cut to Clear Stemware Service for 12
By Baccarat
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This is an incredible Baccarat cobalt cut to clear complete service for 12. All handblown crystal overlaid in cobalt blue and cut in the most complex a...
Baccarat Crystal Champagne Flutes, Set of 8
By Valéry Klein, Baccarat
Located in Miami, FL
A truly elegant and fine quality Baccarat crystal champagne flutes, set of 8 still available. Beautiful details that will enhance any table and delight your guests. Designed by Valer...
Crystal
Six Colored Lead Crystal Glasses, Czech Republic, 1980s
Located in Palermo, IT
Six colored lead crystal glasses, Czech Republic, 1980s. Found in a noble apartment. Intact, never used. Small signs of ageing. We guarantee adeq...
Crystal
$405Sale Price|25% Off
H 4.75 in Dm 4.55 in
Set of 8 Waterford Cut Crystal Sherbet and Champagne Glasses
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
8 Sherbert Waterford Cut Crystal Glasses, Ireland 20th Century Set of eight vintage Waterford sherberts, circa mid-20th century. Irish crystal. Deep cuttings. Signed Waterford on ...
Crystal
$12,024 / set
H 9.06 in W 5.52 in D 4.34 in
Lalique, "Langeais" Crystal Service (31 Pieces), France 1980s
By Marc Lalique, Lalique
Located in PARIS, FR
Superb Lalique "Langeais" model crystalware service composed of: 1 x Decanter ( 23.5 x 12.5 ) 8 x Champagne Glasses ( 16.1 x 6.1 ) 8 x White Wine Glasses ( 11.9 x 7.5 ) 8 x Red Wine...
Crystal
Rosenthal Polaris 36 piece Crystal Stemware
By Rosenthal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Rosenthal Polaris Crystal Set of 36 pieces, 12 of each style in perfect condition! the etched design has the look of a spider web. Nice weight and feel! Set consists of three sizes...
Crystal
Sold
H 6.7 in Dm 3.15 in
Set of 12 Lotus Wine Glasses by Richard Latham and Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal
By Bjorn Wiinblad, Rosenthal, Richard Latham
Located in Vienna, AT
12 wine glasses from the series "Lotus" design by Richard Latham and Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal Studio-Line model no. 2400. Frosted finish and etching stamp. 6 white and 6 for red wine glasses glass...
Crystal
Vintage German Rosenthal MCM Studio Line Three-Piece Crystal Console Set
By Rosenthal
Located in Big Flats, NY
Vintage German Mid-Century Modern studio line console set by Rosenthal in the Diamond Sawtooth pattern offers lead crystal in faceted form with pedestal center bowl with flanking bow...
Crystal
Versace and Rosenthal Purple Amethyst Crystal Medusa Bottle Stopper
By Versace, Rosenthal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A unique and decorative stopper by two design powerhouses, Versace and Rosenthal - a lovely addition to the bar.
Crystal
Elegant 60 Piece Set of Fine Rosenthal Crystal with Calla Lilly Design
By Rosenthal
Located in New York, NY
This stunning set features 12 Water glasses,12 white wine glasses,12 red wine glasses , 12 champagne flutes and 12 cognac/cordials glasses. This set features a stylized calla lily form stem in a beautiful peridot supporting a clear crystal organically formed vessel...