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Rosenthal Designer Vase Duo NAUTICA Jan van der Vaart + SPIRIT Platt & Young
€270
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Berlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 20 sales
Product description
Curated Rosenthal Vase Duo — “Spirit” by Platt & Young × “Nautica” by Jan van der Vaart
Studio-Line Modernism in Black and White · Germany, 1970s–1990s
A rare, visually balanced pairing of two iconic Rosenthal Studio-Line vases — each representing a distinct design philosophy, yet harmonising through palette, proportion, and sculptural clarity. This curated duo embodies a tactile dialogue between fluidity and structure, asymmetry and geometry, late-century biomorphism and mid-century reduction.
VASE 1 — “Spirit” by Platt & Young
Rosenthal Studio-Line, “Free Spirit” Collection, ca. 1999
White glazed porcelain with flowing, organic Y-shaped silhouette
Dimensions: approx. 22 cm (H) × 18.4 cm (L) × 8.3 cm (W)
An emblem of late-1990s Rosenthal innovation, the “Spirit” vase is a sculptural object rooted in contemporary elegance. Designed by the acclaimed British duo Robin Platt & Cairn Young, its soft, asymmetrical curvature evokes natural forms — fluid yet precise, open yet contained. This model is part of the Victoria & Albert Museum collection, testifying to its artistic and cultural significance.
VASE 2 — “Nautica” by Jan van der Vaart
Rosenthal Studio-Line, Germany, 1970s
Black porcelain with contrasting glossy and matte finish
Dimensions: approx. 18 cm (H) × 5 cm (W)
A minimalist totem in miniature: “Nautica” exemplifies Jan van der Vaart’s radical approach to ceramic form. Known for his strict formalism and modular, architectural shapes, Van der Vaart was a leading figure in postwar European ceramics. His designs — held in collections such as the Museum of Modern Art, New York, and the V&A, London — transformed porcelain into disciplined sculpture. “Nautica,” with its precise silhouette and subtle play of light across surfaces, is a classic of modernist abstraction.
Condition
Both vases are in excellent vintage condition, showing only minor, age-appropriate signs of wear. No cracks, chips, or repairs.
About the Designers
Robin Platt & Cairn Young
Platt (trained at the London College of Furniture, Gordon Russell Trust Award recipient, New Designer of the Year 1989) and Young (Central School of Art and architecture at Kingston University) began collaborating in 1991. Their design language is defined by organic curvature, sculptural silhouettes, and a sensitivity to modern living. Their ceramics for Rosenthal are considered among the brand’s most conceptually advanced works of the late 20th century.
Jan van der Vaart (1931–2000)
A pioneer of postwar Dutch ceramics, Van der Vaart directed the ceramics department at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy for over two decades. He introduced a radical formal vocabulary grounded in geometry, repetition, and abstraction. In his work for Rosenthal and Royal Leerdam, he fused studio integrity with industrial clarity — his pieces remain benchmarks of modern ceramic design.
Why Collect This Pair?
This curated black-and-white set offers a study in contrast:
Soft biomorphic white meets structured geometric black
1990s sculptural expression converses with 1970s minimalist rigor
Two generations of European design thinking — side by side, in dialogue
Perfect for a collector of Rosenthal, postwar ceramics, or modern design history. Displayed together, the duo enhances any interior with clarity, tension, and sophistication.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Questions are welcome and will be answered promptly.
International buyers are welcome!
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Any import duties or taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.
I describe all items as accurately and honestly as possible, including detailed photos.
Please note: vintage items may show minor signs of age and use.
Any significant flaws (e.g., chips, cracks) will be clearly described and documented.
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Important Legal Notice :
This is a private sale. No refunds, returns, or warranties.
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Specifications
ConditionExcellentColorsWhiteMaterialPorcelainNumber of items2StyleVintageBrandRosenthalHeight22 cmWidth18 cmDepth8 cm
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Seller information
About this seller
Berlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 20 sales