Have it delivered hassle-freeBuyer protectionAll Designer items curated by WhoppahDownload the Whoppah App – get alerts & sell with ease.
Gilbert Portanier for Rosenthal Studio-Line "Le Midi" Twin Plates, 1980s
Seller:€179
Item not as advertised, money backAll Designer items are curated and 100% authenticHave it delivered hassle-free or pick it up yourselfShop only from Trusted Sellers
BERLIN RETRO FINDS
Product description
**Gilbert Portanier for Rosenthal Studio-Line — "Le Midi" Twin Plates, 1980s**
**Sculptural Ceramic Abstractions in Porcelaine Noire with Gold and Color Collage**
Step into the artistic crossroads of **postwar European ceramic innovation and studio-driven luxury design** with this **striking pair of sculptural plates** from the *"Le Midi"* series by French master **Gilbert Portanier**, created for **Rosenthal Studio-Line** in the 1980s.
Born in Cannes and trained as both architect and painter, Portanier (b. 1926) emerged as one of France’s most original voices in postwar ceramic art. Known for vibrant narrative surfaces and dynamic shapes, he brought to Rosenthal a painter’s eye, a sculptor’s form, and a poet’s sense of rhythm.
This rare *twin set* exemplifies Portanier’s visual language: **a calligraphic, dreamlike collision of Mediterranean light, ancient scripts, and 20th-century abstraction**, set against a **velvety matte black porcelain ground** and enriched with **gold leaf, enamel glazes, and vivid pigment applications**.
**Object Details:**
* **Designer:** Gilbert Portanier
* **Manufacturer:** Rosenthal Studio-Line
* **Collection:** *Le Midi*
* **Design Period:** c. 1980s
* **Country of Origin:** Germany / France
* **Material:** Fine porcelain (*Porcelaine Noire*)
* **Finish:** Matte black base with glossy enamel and gilded decoration
* **Dimensions (each plate):** Approx. 20.5 cm x 21.5 cm x 5 cm (8.1 x 8.5 x 2 in)
* **Condition:** Excellent vintage condition with minimal signs of age. No chips or cracks. The painted surfaces are crisp and luminous.
**Design & Composition:**
Each plate in this **perfectly matched duo** bears Portanier’s unmistakable **free-form silhouette**—neither circular nor rectangular, but softly geometric and playfully irregular. The sculptural edge echoes hand-cut paper or waves of draped fabric.
The decoration is a symphony of Mediterranean blue, ochre, terracotta, lapis, and deep black—overlayed with **abstract motifs, symbolic glyphs, and golden inscriptions** suggestive of ancient alphabets or cartographic fragments. The aesthetic is joyful yet erudite, modern yet deeply rooted in cultural memory.
These are not just plates—they are **ceramic canvases**.
**About the Artist:**
**Gilbert Portanier** (b. 1926) worked alongside Picasso and Capron in Vallauris, France, the cradle of the modern ceramic renaissance. While he remained grounded in the South of France, his artistic reach extended globally. His collaboration with Rosenthal in the 1980s gave rise to unique, limited designs within the **Studio-Line**—a collection devoted to **avant-garde, artist-driven porcelain**.
**Why Collect This Set?**
* **Museum-Quality Artistry:** Portanier’s work is held in major international collections, including the Musée National de Céramique (Sèvres) and the Keramikmuseum Westerwald.
* **Rare Matching Pair:** These twin plates offer a rare opportunity to acquire a symmetrical set from the *Le Midi* line—most are sold singly.
* **Functional Sculpture:** Whether mounted as wall pieces, presented on a console, or simply admired, they function as both vessels and visual poetry.
* **Timeless Investment:** As Rosenthal Studio-Line works from the 1970s–90s gain traction in the market, pieces by named artists like Portanier stand out as true collector’s items.
**Shipping & Notes:**
* Professionally packed with archival materials to ensure safe international shipping
* Combined shipping available; please inquire for exact quote
* This is a private vintage sale — returns and warranties are excluded as per German law
**Add a rare and radiant voice from the Mediterranean to your collection.** These twin "Le Midi" plates by Gilbert Portanier offer a vibrant conversation between painting and porcelain, sculpture and storytelling.
---General Information---
Questions are always welcome and will be answered promptly. International buyers are most welcome — please contact me in advance for precise delivery costs if you are located outside the EU. Import duties or taxes, if applicable, are the buyer's responsibility.
I aim to describe all items as accurately and honestly as possible, with detailed photographs of the actual piece. Please note that vintage and pre-owned items often show signs of age and use. While I do my best to highlight any significant flaws, minor imperfections may occur. Naturally occurring manufacturing marks, slight surface wear, or age-appropriate patina may be present. Any condition beyond normal vintage wear — such as chips or cracks — will be clearly described and shown.
If purchasing multiple items, please message me first to confirm combined shipping.
Privacy Notice: Buyer information is used solely for completing the transaction and arranging shipment.
Important: This is a private sale between private individuals in accordance with German law. Returns, refunds, and warranties are excluded. By purchasing, you agree to these terms.
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsGold, Multi Color, BlackMaterialPorcelainNumber of items2BrandRosenthalHeight5 cmWidth20 cmDepth21 cm