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Jan van der Vaart for Rosenthal Black Porcelain Vase & Nautica Bowl Duo, Germany
€499Bid from €399
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Private sellerBerlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 26 sales
Product description
Jan van der Vaart for Rosenthal Studio-Line – Black Porcelain Vase & Nautica Bowl Duo, Germany, 1980s
A rare and sculptural pairing of black porcelain designed by Dutch master ceramicist Jan van der Vaart for Rosenthal Studio-Line. Combining a monumental vase with the iconic Nautica bowl, this curated duo perfectly encapsulates Van der Vaart's architectural approach to ceramics and Rosenthal's pioneering Porcelaine Noire programme.
Minimal yet highly expressive, the ensemble explores the dialogue between geometry, light, and material. The deep black porcelain, alternating between matte and glossy surfaces, transforms these objects into abstract sculptures as much as functional vessels.
The Ensemble
Nautica Bowl
Part of Van der Vaart's celebrated Nautica series, this low, winged bowl evokes the imagery of sails, ship prows, and celestial instruments. The circular body is interrupted by four sweeping glossy arcs that create a sense of movement and tension, despite the object's remarkable simplicity.
Height: 9 cm
Width: 22.5 cm
Depth: 20.5 cm
Monumental Vase
A striking vertical form with softly curved sides and a sculptural asymmetrical opening. The vase possesses an almost architectural presence, recalling modernist towers or abstracted marine forms. Its restrained geometry and deep black surface perfectly reflect Van der Vaart's devotion to proportion and reduction.
Height: 24.5 cm
Width: 21 cm
Depth: 10 cm
Designer
Jan van der Vaart (1931–2000) is regarded as one of the most important Dutch ceramic artists of the twentieth century. His work was deeply influenced by De Stijl, Constructivism, and modern architecture, resulting in vessels that blur the boundaries between sculpture and utility.
Throughout his career, Van der Vaart pursued a language of pure geometry and precise proportion. His works are represented in major museum collections, including the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.
Manufacturer & Porcelaine Noire
Founded in 1879, Rosenthal became one of Europe's leading porcelain manufacturers and, under Philip Rosenthal, established Studio-Line as a platform for contemporary design.
The Porcelaine Noire collection, introduced in the late 1970s and early 1980s, was an ambitious exploration of black porcelain's sculptural possibilities. Designers including Jan van der Vaart, Tapio Wirkkala, and Hans Theo Baumann were invited to create forms that treated porcelain as an artistic medium rather than purely decorative tableware.
Dimensions
Nautica Bowl:
Height: 9 cm
Width: 22.5 cm
Depth: 20.5 cm
Vase:
Height: 24.5 cm
Width: 21 cm
Depth: 10 cm
Material
Porcelain
Colour
Black
Finish
Matte and glossy black porcelain
Origin
Germany
Period
1980s
Condition
Excellent vintage condition with minimal signs of age and handling. No chips, cracks, or restorations observed. Both pieces retain their original surface contrast and are fully marked with the Rosenthal Studio-Line stamp. First quality.
Remarks
A particularly successful pairing, uniting two different aspects of Van der Vaart's design language: the dynamic, nautical abstraction of the Nautica series and the serene monumentality of his architectural vessel forms. Displayed together, they create a striking sculptural composition of exceptional presence.
General Information
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International buyers: import duties or taxes, if applicable, are the buyer's responsibility.
All items are photographed and described with care. Vintage pieces may show minimal traces of age; any significant flaws will be clearly mentioned.
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsBlackMaterialPorcelainNumber of items2Height24 cmWidth21 cmDepth10 cm
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Seller information
About this seller
Private sellerBerlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 26 sales