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Rosenthal Sculptural Vase Duo Tapio Wirkkala Satin Glass & Rare Porcelaine Noire
€899Bid from €799
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Private sellerBerlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 25 sales
Product description
Rosenthal Studio-Line Vase Duo – Tapio Wirkkala Satin Glass & Porcelaine Noire Sculptural Vase, Germany, 1970s
A striking and unusually sophisticated Rosenthal Studio-Line pairing that juxtaposes two radically different material languages associated with Tapio Wirkkala’s sculptural design philosophy: the ethereal translucency of satin-finished glass and the dense visual gravity of matte black Porcelaine Noire.
Though executed in entirely different materials, the two vases enter into a remarkably coherent dialogue through their shared biomorphic vocabulary, soft rhythmic contours, and architectural verticality.
The result is a pairing that feels simultaneously Scandinavian and futuristic — restrained, sensual, and deeply sculptural.
Designers & Models
• Vase 1: Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal
Material: Satin frosted glass
Color: Transparent / translucent white
Model: 22531
Production period: 1970s
Dimensions:
Height: 26.5 cm
Width: 17 cm
Depth: 14.5 cm
• Vase 2: Rosenthal Studio-Line Porcelaine Noire Vase
Attributed to the Tapio Wirkkala design language / Studio-Line production
Material: Matte black porcelain
Color: Black
Height: 22 cm
Material & Surface
The satin glass vase diffuses light with exceptional softness, creating the impression of frozen water or carved ice. Its gently undulating rim and vertical fluting reflect Wirkkala’s lifelong fascination with natural formations and organic movement.
In contrast, the matte black porcelain vase absorbs light rather than reflecting it. The deep sculptural relief appears almost geological or topographical, creating shifting shadows across the surface depending on viewing angle and illumination.
Together, the pair operates through opposition:
• transparency vs opacity
• lightness vs density
• smooth diffusion vs tactile relief
• Nordic clarity vs near-brutalist darkness
Yet both remain unmistakably Rosenthal Studio-Line objects — sculptural vessels conceived as autonomous art forms rather than purely decorative containers.
About Tapio Wirkkala
Tapio Wirkkala (1915–1985) remains one of the defining figures of 20th-century Scandinavian design. Internationally celebrated for his work across glass, porcelain, silver, wood, and industrial objects, he developed a visual language rooted in erosion, ice, flowing water, bark, geological structures, and natural asymmetry.
His collaborations with Rosenthal during the postwar decades produced some of the company’s most sculptural and intellectually refined objects, bridging Nordic organic modernism with German manufacturing precision.
About Rosenthal Studio-Line
Rosenthal Studio-Line transformed European porcelain and glass production by collaborating with internationally significant artists, architects, and designers. Under Philip Rosenthal’s direction, the company encouraged experimental forms that blurred distinctions between sculpture, design object, and functional vessel.
This duo perfectly reflects that vision: objects that exist as spatial sculpture even when empty.
Condition
Both pieces remain in very good to excellent vintage condition with only minimal traces of age and handling.
The satin glass vase shows no chips or cracks.
The black porcelain vase is beautifully preserved with rich matte surfaces and strong relief definition.
Why This Duo Works
• Exceptional monochrome contrast between black porcelain and translucent satin glass
• Shared sculptural vocabulary despite different materials
• Strong architectural presence without visual heaviness
• Ideal for collector-oriented, minimalist, or gallery-like interiors
• Rare opportunity to combine two highly distinctive Rosenthal Studio-Line aesthetics
A museum-quality pairing where Scandinavian organic modernism meets the experimental sculptural ambition of postwar Rosenthal.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Please explore our profile for more vintage vases!
International buyers: 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.
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsBlackMaterialPorcelainNumber of items2StyleVintageBrandRosenthalHeight26 cmWidth17 cmDepth14 cm
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Seller information
About this seller
Private sellerBerlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 25 sales