Rosenthal Studio-Line “Ringoletto” Transformable Vase – Ron Arad, Black Porcelain with Adjustable Metal Spiral, Germany
A highly inventive and unmistakably postmodern sculptural vase from Rosenthal Studio-Line’s celebrated “Ringoletto” series, designed by internationally renowned architect and designer Ron Arad. Combining glossy black porcelain with an adjustable chromed metal spiral, the object exists somewhere between vessel, kinetic sculpture, and industrial design experiment.
The design embodies Arad’s radical approach to form: playful yet rigorous, functional yet deliberately unstable. The polished metal coil can be repositioned and reshaped around the porcelain body, transforming the silhouette continuously and allowing the object to shift between strict geometry and expressive movement. Few Rosenthal Studio-Line pieces capture the spirit of late-20th-century experimental design so vividly.
Executed in deep glossy black porcelain, the vase itself has a compact cylindrical form whose restraint deliberately contrasts with the dynamic metallic intervention. The reflective spiral introduces rhythm, tension, and motion, creating an object that changes character depending on light, angle, and configuration.
Designer
Ron Arad (born 1951) is among the most influential industrial designers and architects of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Known for merging architecture, sculpture, furniture, and object design, Arad became internationally recognised for his experimental use of steel, unconventional forms, and transformable structures.
His collaboration with Rosenthal Studio-Line belongs to a particularly exciting moment when the company invited internationally acclaimed architects and avant-garde designers to rethink porcelain beyond traditional decorative arts. The “Ringoletto” series reflects Arad’s fascination with mobility, improvisation, and industrial elegance.
Design Details
• Designer: Ron Arad
• Manufacturer: Rosenthal Studio-Line
• Series: Ringoletto
• Origin: Germany
• Material: Porcelain and adjustable metal spiral
• Colour: Black with chrome/silver metal elements
• Finish: High-gloss porcelain
Dimensions
• Height: 16 cm
• Width: approx. 11 cm
• Depth: approx. 11 cm
Condition
Very good vintage condition with light age-appropriate traces of handling. The adjustable metal spiral remains functional and structurally stable. No visible cracks or restorations observed.
Why This Piece Stands Out
• Iconic postmodern design by Ron Arad
• Rare combination of porcelain and transformable metal structure
• Adjustable spiral creates changing sculptural compositions
• Strong dialogue between industrial material and refined porcelain
• One of Rosenthal Studio-Line’s most architecturally experimental objects
• Equally suitable for collectors of Memphis, postmodernism, or contemporary design
This is not merely a vase but an interactive design object — one that invites manipulation, reinterpretation, and play. Whether displayed as a standalone sculptural statement or integrated into a broader postmodern interior, “Ringoletto” captures the intellectual wit and material experimentation that defined avant-garde European design in the late 20th century.
General Information
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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 items1Height16 cmWidth11 cmDepth11 cm