Rosenthal Studio-Line
Architectural Vase
Form by Jan van der Vaart
Décor by Yves Galgon
Germany, 1980s
Glossy porcelain with polychrome graphic decoration
A striking Rosenthal Studio-Line vase combining the architectural rigor of Dutch modernism with the graphic dynamism of late 20th-century surface design.
The sculptural form — attributed to Jan van der Vaart — reflects his characteristic geometric discipline: planar surfaces, sharp verticals, and a controlled, almost constructivist silhouette. The body curves inward slightly, creating tension between flat planes and subtle volume. It reads as an architectural fragment rather than a traditional vessel.
Across this strict form unfolds a vivid, narrative graphic composition by Yves Galgon. Executed in black, gold, turquoise, and deep blue on a glossy white ground, the décor layers abstracted architectural motifs, celestial symbols, linear rhythms, and stylized vegetal elements.
The result is a deliberate contrast:
• Structural Dutch formalism
• Expressive French graphic storytelling
• Industrial precision
• Painterly surface energy
Dimensions
Height: 21 cm
Width: 14 cm
Depth: 8 cm
Marked Rosenthal Studio-Line, Germany.
Design Context
Rosenthal’s Studio-Line program invited internationally recognized designers to rethink porcelain as contemporary art object rather than tableware.
Jan van der Vaart (1931–2000) was a leading figure in Dutch modernist ceramics, known for strict geometric vessels and architectural clarity. His forms for Rosenthal translate that ethos into industrial porcelain.
Yves Galgon introduced a contrasting graphic vocabulary — playful, layered, and symbolically dense — transforming the vase into a visual narrative surface.
This dual authorship makes the piece particularly compelling.
Condition
Very good vintage condition.
No chips, cracks, or restorations.
Glossy glaze vibrant and decoration intact.
Collector’s Perspective
This is not a conventional decorative vase. It is a design dialogue:
• Dutch geometric modernism
• Postmodern graphic intervention
• Rosenthal Studio-Line experimentation
• Strong display presence
Ideal for collectors of:
• Rosenthal Studio-Line
• Dutch modern ceramics
• Postmodern porcelain
• Architecturally informed design objects
The unusual form alone makes it stand out; the vivid décor elevates it into a sculptural statement.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Please explore our profile for more vintage vases and Studio-Line pieces.
International buyers welcome – 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
ConditionExcellentColorsMulti ColorMaterialPorcelainNumber of items1BrandRosenthalHeight21 cmWidth14 cmDepth8 cm