Rosenthal Porcelain Vase – Chinoiserie Phoenix Decor in Red & Gold – Germany, ca. 1938
Designer: Attributed to Rosenthal’s in-house design studio
Manufacturer: Rosenthal, Selb, Germany
Year: ca. 1938
Material: Porcelain
Color: Red ground with polychrome and gold decoration
Finish: Glossy with gilt accents
Dimensions:
Height: 43 cm
A commanding and richly ornamented porcelain vase produced by Rosenthal in the late 1930s, this piece reflects the enduring European fascination with East Asian aesthetics—interpreted through the refined craftsmanship of one of Germany’s most prestigious porcelain manufacturers.
The vase presents a classic baluster form with a gently swelling body and a flared neck, its elegant silhouette serving as a stage for an elaborate decorative composition. Set against a vivid, lacquer-like red ground, a phoenix (Paradiesvögel) unfolds in sweeping motion across the surface, accompanied by stylized floral motifs and delicate vegetal ornamentation. The bird—rendered in gold with accents of blue and subtle tonal variation—appears almost suspended in movement, its elongated tail feathers and finely detailed plumage contributing to a sense of dynamism and grace.
The decorative language draws on chinoiserie traditions, which had long been integrated into European porcelain production, yet here it is executed with a distinctly 20th-century clarity. The contrast between the saturated red field and the luminous gold creates a striking visual tension, balancing opulence with formal restraint.
While the specific designer is not documented, such pieces were developed within Rosenthal’s highly skilled in-house design studios, where artists translated historic decorative vocabularies into contemporary objects. These studio designers were instrumental in maintaining Rosenthal’s reputation for combining technical excellence with stylistic versatility—particularly in the interwar period.
The base bears the Rosenthal mark consistent with production in the late 1930s, situating the piece within a significant historical moment for German porcelain manufacture.
Condition:
Very good vintage condition with minor, age-appropriate wear to the base and minimal signs of handling. No chips, cracks, or repairs observed.
Collector’s Note:
Large-scale Rosenthal vases from this period, especially those featuring elaborate chinoiserie decoration on a monochrome ground, are increasingly sought after. The impressive height, vivid coloration, and finely executed motif make this example particularly desirable—both as a standalone statement piece and within a curated collection of early 20th-century European porcelain.
General Information
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Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsGold, Red, Multi ColorMaterialPorcelainNumber of items1BrandRosenthalHeight43 cmWidth18 cmDepth18 cm