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.
Rare Lino Sabattini Sculptura Flatware Set For Rosenthal 60 Pieces 70's
By Lino Sabattini, Rosenthal
Located in North Miami, FL
This sculptural and extremely RARE set of 60 pieces of stainless steel signed Sabattini for Rosenthal flatware is so amazing. It is signed Rosenthal...
Stainless Steel
100-years Anniversary Porcelain Platter by Danish Bjørn Wiinbladh for Rosenthal
By Bjorn Wiinblad, Rosenthal
Located in Örebro, SE
This is the large German porcelain platter from Rosenthal, designed 1979 by Bjørn Wiinbladh, Denmark for the company’s 100-years anniversary. It comes in the yellow color scale, hand...
Gold Leaf
German White Porcelain Serving or Vanity Tray by Rosenthal
By Rosenthal
Located in New York, NY
A German white porcelain serving (or vanity) tray with hand-painted floral design and gold detail, circa mid to late-20th century, Germany. Tray is oblong/octagonal and can serve cui...
Porcelain
Rosenthal Pompadour vintage porcelain 8 + 1
By Rosenthal
Located in Uppsala , SE
Rosenthal, Germany, series Pompadour Vintage porcelain set for dessert with big round serving dish 1939-1956, according mark 1 big round plate d 33 cm ( 13”) 8 plates d 19 cm ( 7,5...
Porcelain
Middle 20th Century Rococo Two Dinner Plates Blue Gilt Flowers Rosenthal Germany
By Rosenthal
Located in Uppsala , SE
Stunning set of 2 Rosenthal Selb Germany dinner plate These decorative collectible plate featuring a vibrant central floral bouquet surrounded by elaborate gold gilding and a rich co...
Porcelain
Rococo Six Dinner Plates Cobalt Blue Gilt Rosenthal Germany
By Rosenthal
Located in Uppsala , SE
Stunning set of 6 Rosenthal Selb Germany dinner plates features rich cobalt blue outer rims and heavy gold-tone design of flowers and scrolls, with floral and scrollwork in the cente...
Porcelain
1940s Signed Rosenthal Decorated Porcelain Tray
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
$188Sale Price|20% Off
Porcelain Bowl, Rosenthal Moliere, Germany, Mid-20th Century
By Rosenthal
Located in Chorzów, PL
Porcelain openwork bowl made of ecru porcelain, decorated with gilding and a bouquet of flowers motif. A product of the valued German manufacturer Rosenthal from the Moliere series w...
Porcelain
$176Sale Price|25% Off
Porcelain Bowl, Rosenthal Moliere, Germany, Mid-20th Century
By Rosenthal
Located in Chorzów, PL
Porcelain openwork bowl made of ecru porcelain, decorated with gilding and a bouquet of flowers motif. A product of the valued German manufacturer Rosenthal from the Moliere series. ...
Porcelain
$164Sale Price|20% Off
Platter with Gilding, Rosenthal Chippendale, Germany, 1940s
By Rosenthal
Located in Chorzów, PL
Beautiful porcelain platter-bowl in ecru color decorated with gilding and a floral motif A product of the valued German manufacturer Rosenthal, signed with the mark used in the year...
Porcelain
$189Sale Price|20% Off
Porcelain Bowl, Rosenthal Moliere, Germany, Mid-20th Century
By Rosenthal
Located in Chorzów, PL
Porcelain openwork bowl made of ecru porcelain, decorated with gilding and a bouquet of flowers motif. A product of the valued German manufacturer R...
Porcelain
$188Sale Price|20% Off
Porcelain Bowl, Rosenthal Moliere, Germany, Mid-20th Century
By Rosenthal
Located in Chorzów, PL
Porcelain openwork bowl made of ecru porcelain, decorated with gilding and a bouquet of flowers motif. A product of the valued German manufacturer Rosenthal from the Moliere series. ...
Porcelain
Raymond Loewy Ebony Black Rosenthal Germany fine china coffee service for six
By Raymond Loewy, Rosenthal
Located in Ferndale, MI
Elegant 15 piece Raymond Loewy for Rosenthal coffee service . Six cups 4.25" diameter 2.5" tall , six saucers 6.5" diameter , creamer 3" diam...
Porcelain
Porcelain Dish, Rosenthal Pompadour, Germany, 1944
By Rosenthal
Located in Chorzów, PL
Porcelain plate, a product of the Pompadour series of the valued German manufacturer Rosenthal. Porcelain in ecru color, decorated with gilding and a motif of floral bouquets Signe...
Porcelain
$975Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Kontrollstelle for Rosenthal Germany Coffee / Dessert Set 54 Pieces
By Rosenthal
Located in Pasadena, TX
Vintage coffee set designed by Kontrollstelle for Rosenthal Germany. The porcelain set comes in a bone white and taupe colorway. A complete serving...
Porcelain
Tureen Porcelain Rosenthal, Germany
By Rosenthal
Located in New York, NY
A German white porcelain soup stew tureen with hand-painted floral design and gold detail, circa mid to late-20th century, Germany. Tureen, with lid, has an octagonal shape and openi...
Porcelain
$407Sale Price|20% Off
Tapio Wirkaala "Porcelaine Noire" Dish Plate for Rosenthal Studio Linie, 1970s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Vintage dish plate in black porcelain designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Studio Linie “Porcelaine Noire” serie with shiny and matte tone-on-tone dec...
Porcelain
Six Porcelain Plates Rosenthal Chippendale Germany Gold Flowers 1950
By Rosenthal
Located in Uppsala , SE
These gorgeous Rosenthal Chippendale German plates are wonderful collection pieces! 1950s D 19,7 cm ( 7,85 inches) Rich gilt and amazing bouquet All...
Porcelain
Pair of Serving Platters by Versace for Rosenthal
By Rosenthal, Gianni Versace
Located in Atlanta, GA
Designed by Gianni Versace for Rosenthal Studio Line, these "Le Voyage De Marco Polo" service platters or charger plates features beautiful and detaile...
Ceramic
$640Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 4 Vintage Rosenthal Classic Rose Platters
By Rosenthal
Located in Mérida, YU
Set of 4 Vintage Rosenthal Classic Rose Platters, never used still with the Rosenthal paper tag. Very elegant. Sizes: 38 x 26 cms 34 x 24 cms 29...
Porcelain
20th Century, Chinese Porcelain Plates
Located in Miami, FL
20th century, Chinese porcelain plates
Ceramic
Vintage Porcelain Nautical Tray Made in France
By Ralph Lauren, Jonathan Adler, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in San Diego, CA
This vintage porcelain tray brings a playful yet polished sensibility to any setting, effortlessly balancing charm and sophistication. Crafted in fine ceramic with a smooth, high-glo...
Porcelain
Porcelain Dish, Rosenthal Pompadour, Germany, 1944
By Rosenthal
Located in Chorzów, PL
Porcelain plate, a product of the Pompadour series of the valued German manufacturer Rosenthal. Porcelain in ecru color, decorated with gilding and a motif of floral bouquets Signe...
Porcelain
$1,551Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.97 in W 16.93 in D 11.03 in
French Faux Bamboo Vanity Tray or Serving Tray in Brass and Bronze
Located in Barcelona, ES
Beautiful early 20th century faux bamboo brass tray with handles and foliage details. France, 1930s This eye-catching faux bamboo tray with mi...
Brass, Bronze
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
$2,174 / set
H 9.06 in W 3.55 in D 3.55 in
1960s Lino Sabattini for Christofle Silver and Teak Cocktail Set
By Lino Sabattini, Christofle
Located in Florence, Tuscany
A very rare and beautiful 1960s cocktail set with modernist jug and six aperitivo cups designed by Lino Sabattini for Christofle. Each piece is stamped Christofle Gallia ITALY on the...
Silver
Set of Three 20th Century Blue Willow Separating Plates
By Stanley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic set of three blue Willow Stanley lunch plate. Vitrified. These Stanley plates are in amazing condition. Each one of these plates are stamped Stanley. Globe Pottery Cobridg...
Pottery
$65
H 2.5 in W 5 in D 5 in
Rosenthal Footed Demitasse Cup and Saucer Set Moss Rose Pompadour Porcelain 1958
By Rosenthal
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Rosenthal Porcelain Footed Demitasse Cup and Saucer Set Moss Rose Pompadour.Rosenthal - Continental China in the lovely Moss Rose Pompadour Pattern on an ivory background with off ce...
Porcelain
Stainless Steel Plate or Bowl by Lino Sabattini Italy
By Lino Sabattini, Zani & Zani 1
Located in Miami, FL
Italian stainless-steel plate or bowl by Lino Sabattini for Zani & Zani, 1978. Marked underneath: Zani & Zani, acciai per la casa - Italy 18/10. A...
Stainless Steel
Aladdin Porcelain Plate by Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal
By Bjorn Wiinblad, Rosenthal
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Aladin and the magical lamp is the first Aladin plate in a series of 12 plates produced by Rosenthal and designed by Bjorn Wiinblad. In his 12 Aladin plates, Bjørn Wiinblad virtuously depicts the tale of Aladin from the well known fairy tale The Thousand and One Nights...
Porcelain
$975Sale Price|25% Off
H 8.5 in Dm 5 in
Vintage Kontrollstelle for Rosenthal Germany Coffee / Dessert Set 54 Pieces
By Rosenthal
Located in Pasadena, TX
Vintage coffee set designed by Kontrollstelle for Rosenthal Germany. The porcelain set comes in a bone white and taupe colorway. A complete serving...
Porcelain
$105Sale Price|75% Off
H 5.75 in Dm 5 in
Bjorn Wiinblad Relief White Porcelain Vase for Rosenthal With Gilt Characters
By Rosenthal, Bjorn Wiinblad
Located in Chicago, IL
Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal gourd form vase in porcelain with studded and oval relief. Hand painted in gold leaf is a playful character prancing among the pumpkins; a childlike desi...
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Cabinet Plates Fruits Gilts Rosenthal Germany
By Rosenthal
Located in Uppsala , SE
These porcelain plates feature a central fruit motif and are typically surrounded by a luxurious gold scrollwork outer rim design, often in an octagon shape. Rosenthal is a German c...
Porcelain
Paterka on Legs, Rosenthal Moliere, 1938-1952
By Rosenthal
Located in Chorzów, PL
Openwork plate supported on three filigree legs from the Moliere collection, the renowned German Rosenthal label. The product is marked with the mark used in the years 1938-1952. Ecr...
Porcelain
Porcelain Bowl, Rosenthal Chippendale, Germany, 1943-1948
By Rosenthal
Located in Chorzów, PL
A beautiful cream porcelain bowl decorated with gilding and a floral motif A product of the valued German manufacturer Rosenthal, marked with the mark used in 1943-1948. A plat...
Porcelain
Platter with Gilding, Rosenthal Chippendale, Germany, 1940s
By Rosenthal
Located in Chorzów, PL
Beautiful porcelain platter-bowl in ecru color decorated with gilding and a floral motif A product of the valued German Rosenthal manufacturer, marked with the mark used in the ye...
Porcelain
Platter with Gilding, Rosenthal Pompadour, Germany, Mid-20th Century
By Rosenthal
Located in Chorzów, PL
Beautiful porcelain platter-bowl in ecru color decorated with gilding and a floral motif A product of the valued German Rosenthal manufacturer, marked with the mark used in the year...
Porcelain
Porcelain Cake Plate, Rosenthal Sanssouci, Germany, 1946
By Rosenthal
Located in Chorzów, PL
Porcelain plate, a product of the Sanssouci series of the valued German Rosenthal label. Porcelain in ecru color, decorated with gilding, motif of floral bouquets and a genre scene....
Porcelain
Porcelain Cake Plate, Rosenthal Sanssouci, Germany, 1949
By Rosenthal
Located in Chorzów, PL
Porcelain plate, a product of the Sanssouci series of the valued German Rosenthal label. Porcelain in ecru color, decorated with gilding, motif of floral bouquets and a genre scene....
Porcelain
Porcelain Cake Plate, Rosenthal Sanssouci, Germany, 1949
By Rosenthal
Located in Chorzów, PL
A large porcelain cake dish, a product of the Sanssouci series by the valued German manufacturer Rosenthal. Porcelain in ecru color, decorated with gil...
Porcelain
Chrysantheme Cacilie Cake Stand, Rosenthal, 1887-1904
By Rosenthal
Located in Chorzów, PL
A beautiful platter on a leg from the Chrysantheme Cacilie collection of the excellent Rosenthal manufacturer White porcelain decorated with a motif of pink flowers and gilding. ...
Porcelain
Rosenthal Maroon Porcelain Platter, 1949
By Rosenthal
Located in Chorzów, PL
Beautiful porcelain platter made in Germany by Rosenthal. Porcelain in the color of ecru, decorated with a motif of golden flowers on a maroon background. The product is marked...
Porcelain
Sold
H 1.19 in W 9.85 in D 9.85 in
1990s Rosenthal Campbell Soup Glass Square Vide Poche Designed by Andy Warhol
By Rosenthal
Located in Aci Castello, IT
The Rosenthal campbell soup glass small tray designed by Andy Warhol is a piece of pop art that captures the iconic imagery of the Campbell's Soup can in a functional and stylish man...
Glass
Large Versace for Rosenthal MarCo Polo Ceramic Platter
By Versace, Rosenthal
Located in Atlanta, GA
Designed by Gianni Versace for Rosenthal Studio Line, this is a large "Le Voyage De Marco Polo" service platter which can also be a beautiful central p...
Ceramic