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Martin Freyer for Rosenthal "Plissée" Bisque Porcelain Vase Duo, Germany 1968
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Private sellerBerlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 26 sales
Product description
Martin Freyer for Rosenthal Studio-Line – "Plissée" Bisque Porcelain Vase Duo, Germany, Design 1968
An elegant pair of porcelain vases from Martin Freyer's celebrated Plissée series, designed for Rosenthal Studio-Line in 1968. Among the most iconic achievements of post-war German porcelain design, the series exemplifies Freyer's remarkable ability to transform a simple vessel into a sculptural study of light, rhythm, and form.
Executed in matte white bisque porcelain, both vases display the distinctive relief structure that made Plissée one of Rosenthal Studio-Line's most enduring and collectible designs. Inspired by the soft folds of pleated fabric, Freyer translated a textile motif into porcelain, creating surfaces that appear fluid and animated despite the rigidity of the material.
Presented together, the larger and smaller examples form a harmonious composition. Their differing proportions create an elegant dialogue of scale, while the shared relief pattern unites the pair into a sculptural ensemble of remarkable visual coherence.
The Larger Vase – Model 3021
Standing approximately 23 cm high, the taller vase emphasises the vertical movement of the pleated relief. Light glides across the folded surface, producing ever-changing patterns of shadow and illumination that enhance the architectural quality of the form.
Height: 22.5 cm
Width: 17 cm
Depth: 17 cm
Opening Diameter: 9.5 cm
The Smaller Vase – Model 3026
The more compact "Onion" form offers a softer interpretation of the same design language. Its rounded proportions highlight the precision of the relief structure while maintaining the series' distinctive visual rhythm.
Height: 16 cm
Width: 22 cm
Depth: 22 cm
Stand Diameter: 8.5 cm
Designer
Hans Martin Freyer (1909–1975) was one of the most influential designers associated with Rosenthal Studio-Line. Trained as a painter, graphic artist, and designer, he worked across numerous disciplines and became renowned for combining artistic experimentation with industrial production. During his collaboration with Rosenthal between 1964 and 1974, he created some of the company's most important modernist designs, many of which are now regarded as classics of twentieth-century European porcelain.
Manufacturer
Founded in 1961 under Philip Rosenthal, Rosenthal Studio-Line became one of Europe's most important platforms for contemporary design. Through collaborations with leading artists, architects, and designers, the company transformed porcelain into a medium for artistic innovation and sculptural expression. The Plissée series remains one of the defining successes of this programme.
Design Context
Created at the height of the Op Art era, Plissée shares the movement's fascination with perception, rhythm, and visual movement. Rather than relying on colour or applied decoration, Freyer achieves remarkable optical complexity through relief alone. More than half a century after its introduction, the series remains strikingly contemporary.
Design Details
Designer: Martin Freyer
Manufacturer: Rosenthal Studio-Line
Series: Plissée
Models: 3021 and 3026
Design Year: 1968
Origin: Germany
Material: Bisque porcelain
Finish: Matte
Colour: White
Style: Mid-Century Modern / Op Art
Condition
Very good to excellent vintage condition with minor traces of age and handling consistent with careful ownership. No chips, cracks, or restorations observed.
Why This Duo Stands Out
• Two authentic examples from Martin Freyer's iconic Plissée series
• Designed for Rosenthal Studio-Line in 1968
• Sculptural relief inspired by pleated textile forms
• Beautiful interplay of light, shadow, and geometry
• Matte white bisque porcelain highlighting the architectural surfaces
• Highly collectible examples of post-war German design
• Displayed together, the two scales create an exceptionally effective ensemble
• Suitable for modernist, minimalist, and collector-focused interiors
This curated duo demonstrates why Plissée remains one of Rosenthal Studio-Line's most celebrated series. Through the simplest of means—repetition, relief, and proportion—Freyer created objects that transcend function and become studies in perception, rhythm, and sculptural form.
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 goodColorsWhiteMaterialPorcelainNumber of items2Height23 cmWidth17 cmDepth17 cm
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Seller information
About this seller
Private sellerBerlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 26 sales