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Martin Freyer Rosenthal Studio Line Brutalist Bisque Porcelain Vintage H 24 cm Fossil Vase
€499Bid from €330
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Private sellerBerlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 32 sales
Product description
Martin Freyer for Rosenthal – Op Art Relief Porcelain Vase, Germany, 1960s–1970s
A striking example of mid-century Op Art design, this sculptural porcelain vase by Martin Freyer for Rosenthal captures the visual experimentation and formal clarity that defined European design in the 1960s and 1970s. Combining optical rhythm with architectural presence, the piece reflects both Freyer's graphic sensibility and Rosenthal's exceptional porcelain craftsmanship.
Design & Concept
This vase embodies the principles of Op Art (Optical Art), a movement centred on visual perception, rhythm, and illusion. Through its carefully structured relief and shifting surface patterns, the vase creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, inviting the viewer into a constantly changing visual experience.
Rather than relying on applied decoration, Freyer transforms the porcelain surface itself into an optical event. The rhythmic relief animates the vessel, making it appear to shift and transform as light moves across it. Minimal in colour yet visually complex, the vase demonstrates Freyer's remarkable ability to translate graphic design principles into three-dimensional form.
Designer
Hans Martin Freyer (1909–1975) was a German painter, graphic artist, and industrial designer. Born in Hanover, he studied at the Technische Universität Darmstadt and later at the Universität der Künste Berlin and the Reimann School.
During his career he worked as a landscape architect, interior designer, stage designer, portrait artist, and industrial designer. He is also credited with designing the iconic Volkswagen logo. Between 1964 and 1974, Freyer collaborated extensively with Rosenthal, creating a series of relief-decorated porcelain and glass objects that remain among the most distinctive expressions of Op Art in industrial design.
Manufacturer
Founded in 1879, Rosenthal became one of Germany's most influential porcelain manufacturers and, under Philip Rosenthal, emerged as a leading force in modern design through collaborations with internationally renowned artists and designers.
Design Details
Designer: Martin Freyer
Manufacturer: Rosenthal
Origin: Germany
Period: 1960s–1970s, based on the golden "S" Rosenthal mark
Material: Porcelain
Colour: White
Style: Op Art / Mid-Century Modern
Dimensions
Height: 24 cm
Length: 23.5 cm
Depth: 9 cm
Condition
Very good vintage condition. The vase displays a natural patina consistent with age, contributing to its authenticity and character. No chips, cracks, or restorations observed.
Why This Piece Stands Out
• Exceptional example of Op Art translated into porcelain
• Designed by one of Rosenthal's most innovative collaborators
• Sculptural relief creating constantly changing optical effects
• Strong architectural presence despite its restrained palette
• Highly collectible piece of German mid-century design
• Perfect for collectors of Op Art, Rosenthal, and modernist decorative arts
This vase represents the remarkable collaboration between Martin Freyer and Rosenthal, where graphic thinking, sculptural form, and technical mastery converge. More than a functional object, it is an exploration of perception and movement—an enduring icon of twentieth-century European design.
General Information
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All items are photographed and described with care. Vintage pieces may show minimal traces of age and use; any significant flaws will be clearly mentioned.
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Specifications
CategoryVasesConditionVery goodColorsWhiteMaterialPorcelainNumber of items1StyleVintageBrandRosenthalHeight24 cmWidth23 cmDepth9 cmSeller locationBerlin, GermanyDelivery optionsDelivery or pickup
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Seller information
About this seller
Private sellerBerlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 32 sales