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Pair of Sculptural Vases "Scarpa" by Johan van Loon for Rosenthal, Porcelaine Noire, ca. 1980s, Germany, Studio-Linie
€249€179-28%
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About this seller
Berlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 20 sales
Product description
**Pair of Sculptural Vases by Johan van Loon for Rosenthal, Porcelaine Noire, SCARPA ca. 1980s, Germany, Studio-Linie**
A striking duet of sculptural vases by Dutch ceramist **Johan van Loon (1934–2020)**, produced for the prestigious **Rosenthal Studio-Linie** as part of the rare and short-lived **Porcelaine Noire** series, circa 1980s.
Rendered in matte black porcelain with a delicately fluted surface, these two asymmetric vessels echo natural forces—wind-carved stone, flowing fabric, or sedimentary drift. Each vase is an autonomous sculpture, yet they function together as a calligraphic pair: oblique, tactile, and gestural.
The larger vase (H 8 cm × W 16 cm × D 4 cm) tapers into a sharply cantilevered wing-like form, while the smaller (H 6 cm × W 12 cm × D 3 cm) feels more compact, its ridges echoing the dynamic diagonal rhythm of the larger piece. Both pieces display a captivating surface texture of carved striations, with an unglazed matte exterior and a **glossy black glazed interior**—a subtle but luxurious contrast that invites both visual and functional use.
The vases are marked on the underside with *Rosenthal Studio-Linie* insignia and “**Porcelaine Noire**” stamp, and are attributed to van Loon’s series of limited edition collaborations with Rosenthal in the late 1970s–80s, which brought leading European studio artists into the realm of high-concept porcelain design.
**Dimensions:**
**Larger vase:** H 8 cm × W 16 cm × D 4 cm
**Smaller vase:** H 6 cm × W 12 cm × D 3 cm
**Condition:**
Both pieces are in **excellent vintage condition**. No chips, cracks, or restorations. Clean interiors, crisp edges, and beautiful surface preservation throughout. Museum-quality examples.
**About the Artist:**
**Johan van Loon** was a pioneer of modern European ceramics, trained at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam and further shaped by Scandinavian design principles during his studies in Stockholm and Copenhagen. His architectural, often vessel-adjacent works have been acquired by major institutions such as the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, Keramiekmuseum Princessehof, and the Victoria & Albert Museum. Van Loon’s partnership with Rosenthal allowed his sculptural ethos to enter industrial production without losing artistic rigor—a rare and successful collaboration between fine art and serial design.
**Why Collect This Pair:**
* Rare *Porcelaine Noire* examples from Rosenthal’s Studio-Linie
* Unique collaboration with leading Dutch ceramist Johan van Loon
* Distinct sculptural presence; each vase functions as a standalone object or complementary set
* Bold matte black finish with refined gloss interiors
* Highly collectible, documented, and increasingly scarce on the market
**Provenance:** Private collection, Germany
---GENERAL INFORMATION---
**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 German law. By purchasing, you agree to these terms.
**Privacy Notice:** Buyer information will be used solely for the purpose of completing the transaction and arranging shipment.
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsBlackMaterialPorcelainNumber of items2BrandRosenthalHeight8 cmWidth16 cmDepth4 cm
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Seller information
About this seller
Berlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 20 sales