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Rosenthal Studio-Line Zauberflöte Porcelain Vase Bjørn Wiinblad Sculptural Gold
€249Bid from €199
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Private sellerBerlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 25 sales
Product description
Rosenthal Studio-Line “Zauberflöte” Vase by Bjørn Wiinblad – Sculptural Gold Porcelain, Germany, 1992
A richly ornamented porcelain vase from the celebrated “Zauberflöte” (“The Magic Flute”) series by Danish artist and designer Bjørn Wiinblad, produced by Rosenthal Studio-Line in Germany in 1992.
This striking cylindrical vase encapsulates Wiinblad’s unmistakable visual universe: theatrical, decorative, fantastical, and deeply rooted in a uniquely Scandinavian interpretation of romanticism and folklore. Covered almost entirely in luminous matte gold ornamentation, the piece transforms porcelain into a shimmering architectural surface of swirling vegetal motifs, stylized florals, arabesques, and dreamlike fantasy forms.
Design & Artistic Language
The “Zauberflöte” series occupies a distinctive position within Wiinblad’s oeuvre. Named after Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute, the collection channels the spirit of theatrical fantasy, baroque ornament, and fairy-tale imagination that defined much of the artist’s work from the 1960s onward.
Unlike the strict geometry of modernist minimalism, Wiinblad embraced exuberance, storytelling, and decorative excess. Here, the surface becomes a dense ornamental tapestry: rhythmic botanical forms unfold continuously around the cylindrical body, producing a visual richness reminiscent of illuminated manuscripts, oriental textiles, Jugendstil ornament, and stage decoration.
The matte satin-gold finish gives the vase an almost metallic presence while preserving the softness and refinement of porcelain beneath. Light moves delicately across the embossed decoration, revealing subtle relief and depth that change continuously depending on angle and illumination.
The restrained cylindrical form creates an elegant counterbalance to the opulence of the decoration — a dialogue between modern geometry and ornamental fantasy.
Material & Craftsmanship
Executed in fine Rosenthal porcelain, the vase demonstrates the exceptional technical precision associated with Rosenthal Studio-Line during the late 20th century.
The relief decoration appears almost engraved into the golden surface, creating a tactile richness rarely achieved in industrial porcelain production. The white glazed interior offers a sharp contrast to the saturated gold exterior, emphasizing the sculptural purity of the form.
Artist Context
Bjørn Wiinblad (1918–2006) remains one of the most recognizable Scandinavian artists and designers of the 20th century. Active across ceramics, textiles, posters, theatre, book illustration, and stage design, Wiinblad cultivated a highly personal visual language filled with poetry, mythology, music, fantasy, and ornamental abundance.
His long collaboration with Rosenthal Studio-Line brought his imaginative universe into dialogue with German porcelain craftsmanship, resulting in some of the most iconic decorative objects of the era.
While much Scandinavian modernism pursued reduction and austerity, Wiinblad championed sensuality, decoration, and emotional richness — making his work uniquely enduring and instantly recognizable.
Details
Designer: Bjørn Wiinblad
Manufacturer: Rosenthal Studio-Line, Germany
Series: Zauberflöte
Model: 2903
Year: 1992
Material: Porcelain
Finish: Satin / matte gold exterior, glazed interior
Color: Gold
Style: Postmodern / Scandinavian Decorative Modernism / Studio-Line Design
Dimensions
Height: approx. 16.5 cm
Diameter: approx. 10 cm
Marked on underside with Rosenthal Studio-Line mark.
Condition
Good vintage condition with traces of age and use consistent with period. Minor wear and small irregularities to the gold surface visible upon close inspection, as shown in photographs, but overall the vase retains a strong and highly decorative presence.
Collector’s Perspective
This piece is especially compelling for collectors of:
– Bjørn Wiinblad design
– Rosenthal Studio-Line collaborations
– Scandinavian decorative arts
– Postmodern and late modernist porcelain
– Gold and monochrome ceramic objects
Its compact scale makes it highly versatile within an interior, while the richly textured gold surface creates a powerful visual presence despite its relatively restrained dimensions.
Equally effective as a standalone sculptural accent or integrated into a curated grouping of Studio-Line and artist-designed porcelain.
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.
Private sale under law: no returns, refunds, or warranties.
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsGold, WhiteMaterialPorcelainNumber of items1BrandRosenthalHeight16 cmWidth10 cmDepth10 cm
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Seller information
About this seller
Private sellerBerlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 25 sales