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Marcello Morandini & Tapio Wirkkala Rosenthal Matte Porcelaine Noire Vase Duo
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About this seller
Berlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 23 sales
Product description
Marcello Morandini for Rosenthal – “Serpentina” Vase Duo (Porcelaine Noire, 1980s)
Rosenthal Studio Line · Porcelaine Noire · Black Satin & Matte Porcelain · Postmodern Italian–German Design
A dramatic pair of Rosenthal vases from Marcello Morandini’s iconic “Serpentina” series — here in the extremely sought-after Porcelaine Noire, Rosenthal’s patented deep-black porcelain body known for its velvety density and sculptural presence. These two forms, with heights of 25 cm and 21 cm, capture the essence of Morandini’s geometry in its most powerful chromatic form: sharp, opaque black absorbing light rather than reflecting it, turning the spiral architecture into a play of shadows and volumes.
Design & Aesthetic
In Porcelaine Noire, “Serpentina” becomes almost architectural sculpture:
• A continuous spiral column composed of ascending rings, engineered with mathematical precision.
• The black porcelain body intensifies the relief: instead of highlighting form by brightness (as in the white porcelain versions), it relies on shadow, contrast, and the subtle sheen of matte vs. satin surfaces.
• The characteristic asymmetric opening — a Morandini signature — interrupts the ordered structure with a deliberate conceptual twist.
Displaying the two together creates an elegant postmodern duet: one piece in matte black, the other in a refined satin black, echoing each other through shared geometry while differing in surface tension. A rare pairing, and visually far more dramatic than their white counterparts.
About Rosenthal’s Porcelaine Noire — A Patented Innovation
Rosenthal’s Porcelaine Noire (“Schwarzporzellan”) is a proprietary, patented technology developed in the mid-20th century, allowing true black porcelain to be cast in the mass, not merely glazed.
Unlike standard porcelain, which remains white beneath the glaze, Porcelaine Noire is deeply pigmented throughout the entire body.
This gives it:
• its unique graphite-black depth,
• its velvety surface, even when satin-finished,
• and its exceptional resistance to visible scratches, since the colour is part of the material itself.
Porcelaine Noire was used sparingly due to the difficult firing process — making all Studio Line designs produced in this material especially collectible.
About the Designer – Marcello Morandini (b. 1940)
A leading figure of Italian Constructivism and Optical Art, Morandini’s work spans architecture, sculpture, industrial design and graphic art. His vocabulary is defined by rigorous geometry, serial repetition and strict black-and-white purity.
He has exhibited internationally at institutions including the V&A, the Centre Pompidou, the Triennale di Milano, and numerous European design museums. His collaborations with Rosenthal in the 1980s mark one of the most important intersections between Italian neo-constructivism and the German design industry.
The “Serpentina” series is widely regarded as one of his most refined porcelain works.
Details
Designer: Marcello Morandini
Manufacturer: Rosenthal Studio Line, Germany
Series: Serpentina
Material: Rosenthal Porcelaine Noire (patented black porcelain)
Technique: Molded porcelain with spiral architectural relief
Vase 1 – Tall Serpentina
• Height: 25 cm
• Diameter: 10.5 cm
• Finish: Matte black
• Period: 1980s
Vase 2 – Narrow Serpentina
• Height: 21 cm
• Diameter: 7.5 cm
• Finish: Satin black
• Period: 1980s
Condition: Excellent vintage condition, with minimal traces of age commensurate with careful display. No chips, cracks, or restorations.
Collector’s Note
“Serpentina” in Porcelaine Noire is among the most coveted Rosenthal editions: bold, architectural, deeply sculptural, and unmistakably postmodern. These two pieces form a rare and striking ensemble — ideal for collectors of Rosenthal Studio Line, Italian postmodernism, abstract sculpture, or geometric design.
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.
**Explore my profile for more retro vases, vintage fashion, and designer goods!** **Questions are welcome and will be answered promptly.** **International buyers are welcome!** *Please contact me in advance for precise delivery costs if you're located outside the EU. Any import duties or taxes are the buyer's responsibility.* I strive to describe all items as accurately and honestly as possible, including detailed photos of the actual items for sale. However, please be aware that descriptions can be subjective. Vintage or pre-owned items often show signs of wear due to age, and while I make every effort to identify and note any significant flaws, some minor imperfections may be overlooked. Naturally occurring manufacturer’s defects, slight surface scratching, or wear consistent with normal use may be present. Any condition beyond typical vintage wear, such as chips, cracks, or other significant defects, will be clearly noted in the description and visible in the photos. *If you are purchasing multiple items, please contact me before completing your purchase to confirm whether they can be shipped together in the same parcel.* **Important Notice:** This transaction is between a private seller and a private buyer of secondhand items. **No refunds, returns, or warranties** are accepted or provided, in accordance with law. By purchasing, you agree to these terms.
**Explore my profile for more retro vases, vintage fashion, and designer goods!** **Questions are welcome and will be answered promptly.** **International buyers are welcome!** *Please contact me in advance for precise delivery costs if you're located outside the EU. Any import duties or taxes are the buyer's responsibility.* I strive to describe all items as accurately and honestly as possible, including detailed photos of the actual items for sale. However, please be aware that descriptions can be subjective. Vintage or pre-owned items often show signs of wear due to age, and while I make every effort to identify and note any significant flaws, some minor imperfections may be overlooked. Naturally occurring manufacturer’s defects, slight surface scratching, or wear consistent with normal use may be present. Any condition beyond typical vintage wear, such as chips, cracks, or other significant defects, will be clearly noted in the description and visible in the photos. *If you are purchasing multiple items, please contact me before completing your purchase to confirm whether they can be shipped together in the same parcel.* **Important Notice:** This transaction is between a private seller and a private buyer of secondhand items. **No refunds, returns, or warranties** are accepted or provided, in accordance with law. By purchasing, you agree to these terms.
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsBlackMaterialPorcelainNumber of items2StyleVintageBrandRosenthalHeight25 cmWidth10 cmDepth10 cm
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Seller information
About this seller
Berlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 23 sales