Have it delivered hassle-freeBuyer protectionAll Designer items curated by WhoppahDownload the Whoppah App – get alerts & sell with ease.
Jan van der Vaart for Rosenthal Turquoise Porcelain Vase 1988
€299€279-7%Bid from €249
Buy with confidence
Shop & pay safely with our Buyer ProtectionDesigner items curated by WhoppahWe only pay the seller once you have safely received the itemTrusted payment methods
About this seller
Private sellerBerlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 23 sales
Product description
Jan van der Vaart for Rosenthal – Turquoise Porcelain Vase – 1988
A sculptural porcelain vase designed by Jan van der Vaart for Rosenthal in 1988, embodying the rigorous geometric language that defines one of the most influential ceramists of the 20th century. This piece stands at the intersection of architecture and vessel—an object reduced to its essential volumes, yet charged with a quiet, contemplative presence.
The form is constructed with disciplined clarity: a compact, cubic body rising into a precisely defined cylindrical opening. The transitions between planes are crisp yet softened by porcelain’s inherent tactility, allowing light to glide across the surface in subtle gradients. The saturated turquoise glaze intensifies this effect, lending the object both visual depth and chromatic authority.
Van der Vaart’s work resists ornament in favor of proportion and structure. Here, the glaze does not decorate but articulates the form—emphasizing edges, planes, and the relationship between mass and void. The result is an object that feels at once grounded and elevated, architectural yet intimate.
Design and Context
Jan van der Vaart (1931–2000) is widely regarded as a central figure in postwar Dutch ceramics. His practice is rooted in a modernist vocabulary influenced by Constructivism and the legacy of artists such as Hans Coper and Lucie Rie. As a professor at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie, he shaped generations of designers, advocating for a ceramic language defined by clarity, function, and formal precision.
His collaboration with Rosenthal represents a significant extension of this philosophy into industrial production—where his strict geometries and refined sensibility were translated into high-quality porcelain objects. These works remain among the most collectible examples of late 20th-century European ceramic design.
Manufacturer
Rosenthal, Germany, has long been synonymous with innovation in porcelain design, collaborating with leading international artists to produce objects that merge technical excellence with artistic vision. The company’s late 20th-century production reflects a continued commitment to modernism and design-led manufacturing.
Details
Designer: Jan van der Vaart
Manufacturer: Rosenthal
Year: 1988
Origin: Germany
Material: Porcelain
Color: Turquoise glaze
Height: 22.5 cm
Width / Depth: 11 × 11 cm
Opening diameter: approx. 8 cm
Condition
Excellent vintage condition. Minimal signs of handling consistent with age. No chips, cracks, or restorations. The glaze remains even, vibrant, and well preserved.
Collector’s Perspective
Van der Vaart’s porcelain designs for Rosenthal occupy a distinct position within modern ceramics—bridging studio practice and industrial production without compromising formal integrity. Pieces in this vivid turquoise glaze are particularly sought after, as they amplify the sculptural qualities of his work while remaining true to his minimalist ethos.
This vase is both a functional object and a disciplined study in proportion. Whether placed within a curated collection or presented as a standalone piece, it carries the quiet authority of modernist design at its most resolved.
---
GENERAL INFORMATION
Please explore our profile for more vintage vases!
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.
Private sale under law: no returns, refunds, or warranties.
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsMint, Green, BlueMaterialPorcelainNumber of items1BrandRosenthalHeight22 cmWidth11 cmDepth11 cm
Discover more
Seller information
About this seller
Private sellerBerlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 23 sales