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.
$932Sale Price / set|20% Off
Rosenthal Selb Dinner Plates Set of Six, Cobalt Blue & Gold, 1937
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
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
Set of Six Rosenthal Chippendale Plates, Gilt Floral Design, 1950s
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
Rare Lino Sabattini Sculptura Flatware Set For Rosenthal 60 Pieces 70's
By Rosenthal, Lino Sabattini
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
Middle 20th Century Rococo Two Large 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
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
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
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
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
$300Sale Price|30% Off
Tapio Wirkaala "Porcelaine Noire" Dish Plate for Rosenthal Studio Linie, 1970s
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
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
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
$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
$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
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
Pair of Serving Platters by Versace for Rosenthal
By Gianni Versace, Rosenthal
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
Set of Six Danish Modern Teak Plates / Chargers by Morsbak
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice set of six Danish Modern teak plates / chargers by Morsbak of Denmark, 1960s. The plates are in very good vintage condition and measure 11"D x .5"H a...
Teak
Vintage Rosenthal Porcelain Coffee or Tea Set, 1960s
By Rosenthal
Located in Bastogne, BE
Björn Wiinblad for Rosenthal - Studio Linie, Germany coffee or tea set. Large vintage German service of the famous Rosenthal Linie factory from Germany...
Porcelain
Fine English Porcelain Dessert Service, Minton, circa 1830
Located in New York, NY
Comprising 24 plates, pair of covered sauce tureens and stands, pair of shell dishes and a pair of rectangular dishes. The bright blue ground inters...
Porcelain
Vintage Porcelain Nautical Tray Made in France
By Jonathan Adler, Jean Paul Gaultier, Ralph Lauren
Located in San Diego, CA
This vintage porcelain tray brings a playful yet polished sensibility to any setting, effortlessly balancing charm and sophistication. Crafted with a smooth, high-gloss finish, the p...
Porcelain
$220 / set
H 0.5 in Dm 5 in
Indigo Blue Tapas Plate Set - Set of 4 handmade stoneware plates and stand
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The perfect set of plates for Tapas Night. Handcrafted by skilled artisans in Mexico, the Anna Indigo Handmade Tapas Plate Set is the perfect addition to ...
Stoneware
$420
H 2.25 in W 21.75 in D 10.63 in
20th Century Pig Wood & Metal Cutting Board Plate Tray Plater Vintage German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A striking and sculptural serving piece, this pig-shaped cutting board seamlessly blends utility with functional design. Made from oak wood and accented with cast aluminum detailing,...
Aluminum
$420
H 1.63 in W 30.25 in D 6.75 in
20th Century Salmon Wood & Metal Cutting Board Plate Tray Plater Vintage German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A striking and sculptural serving piece, this Salmon-shaped cutting board seamlessly blends utility with functional design. Made from oak wood and accented with cast aluminum detaili...
Aluminum
Majestic Line Rosenthal Porcelain Dinnerware Service for 12
By Rosenthal
Located in New York, NY
This striking Majestic Line Rosenthal Porcelain Dinner Wear Service for 12 originates from Germany, Circa 1980. Each piece features remarkable gilt textural detailing circumscribing ...
Porcelain
$315Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 0.4 in Dm 12.6 in
Apulia, Three Contemporary Porcelain Platters with Decorative Design
By Vito Nesta
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Inspired by Vito Nesta's home town, Puglia, in southern Italy, this unique set of platters is perfect to serve different dishes. Three large platters perfect for meat, cakes or the A...
Porcelain
$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
$1,979
H 15 in W 30 in D 17 in
China Plates Porcelian Dinner Ware Set of Antique Royal Doulton Vanborough 1970s
Located in Wembley, GB
The Royal Doulton Carlyle (pattern H4992) is a sophisticated and highly recognizable china pattern featuring a rich teal or green border with a blue and gold floral motif. Produced f...
Gold
Antique Japanese Plate Kutaniyaki 1950s
By Japanese Studio
Located in Paris, FR
This is Kutani 1950th Century. This plate was made with porcelain, style of kutaniyaki. It is a traditional craft of ceramics with overglaze painting and was born in the early Edo period. Kutani ware...
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