While the Rosenthal Porcelain Factory grew from humble decorating roots — as many pottery companies do — it eventually built a list of universally revered designer and artist partners that included Andy Warhol and Salvador Dalí. And after securing an enviable position as a top manufacturer of serveware and dominating the porcelain and bone china markets, Rosenthal expanded into furniture production, working with influential designers Verner Panton, Luigi Colani and Günther Ferdinand Ris and Herbert Selldorf.
German-born Jewish businessman Philipp Rosenthal founded the company in 1879 in Bavaria. It began as his modest workshop where he painted porcelain and encountered success with porcelain ashtrays. Rosenthal hired the best designers and clay modelers he could find. Adolf Oppel designed figurative Art Nouveau pieces, while Eleonore (Lore) Friedrich-Gronau produced decorative objects, namely her graceful porcelain dancer figurines, for the company.
Dinnerware, though, would be a Rosenthal mainstay. Between 1904 and 1910, Rosenthal produced its renowned dinnerware lines such as Donatello, Darmstadt and Isolde. These were introduced as unornamented white pieces — only later were they given their underglaze designs.
Rosenthal founder Philipp, a Catholic of Jewish ancestry, resigned in 1934 as the company’s president due to pressures owing to discriminatory German laws that took shape during the rise of the Nazi regime. Rosenthal died in 1937, and the family fled to America. The company would not regain its footing until 1950 when Rosenthal’s son, Philip, joined the firm and, in 1958, became chairman and dubbed Germany’s “China King.” At its peak, the company had 10,000 employees.
In the 1950s, Rosenthal’s modernist dinnerware was a significant part of the brand’s offerings, and by 1961 they introduced the famed Rosenthal Studio Line. Although furniture designers and ceramicists would lead the list of individuals working with Rosenthal — among them Tapio Wirkkala, Max Weber and Lisa Larson — the company eventually reached out to fine artists, not only Dalí and Warhol but Sandro Chia and Kenny Scharf. Rosenthal also collaborated with fashion designers Gianni Versace and Donatella Versace.
In a daring move in 1972, the company diversified into furniture, collaborating with some of the giants of mid-century modern design. The revolutionary Sunball chair, an icon of Space Age seating crafted by Selldorf and Ris, was among Rosenthal’s stellar successes in this venture.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Rosenthal ceramics, porcelain, tableware, seating and more.
Burkhard Vogtherr for Rosenthal 'Vario Pillo' Modular Sofa
By Rosenthal
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Burkhard Vogtherr for Rosenthal, model 'Vario Pillo', modular sofa, Germany, 1970s This exuberant buildable sofa is designed by Burkhard Vogtherr. A very rare type of modular sofa w...
Fabric, Plastic
Verner Panton Relaxer II Rocking Chair by Rosenthal with new upholstered Leather
By Rosenthal, Verner Panton
Located in Berlin, DE
Verner Panton "Relaxer II" rocking chair, designed for Rosenthal Einrichtung, Germany, 1974. Reupholstered in brown leather. The black stained beech frame shows light wear consistent...
Leather, Wood
Pair of "Hombre" lounge chairs by Burkhard Vogtherr for Rosenthal, 1970s
By Burkhard Vogtherr, Rosenthal
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
Pair of lounge chairs from the Hombre series, designed by Burkhard Vogtherr for Rosenthal, produced as part of the Rosenthal Furniture program. In 1972, Rosenthal expanded its activ...
Leather, Oak
Sunball Chair by Günter Ferdinand Ris and Herbert Selldorf for Rosenthal, 1969
By Rosenthal, Herbert Selldorf, Günter Ferdinand Ris
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
One of only 50 ever produced sunball chairs by Günter Ferdinand Ris and Herbert Selldorf for Rosenthal, 1969. This particular one has water resisting up...
Metal
1973 Verner Panton, 1-2-3 Series Dining Chair in Brown Fabric
By Verner Panton, Rosenthal
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach,...
Steel
Mid-Century Tropical Lounge Chair by Burkhard Vogtherr for Rosenthal, 1970s
By Rosenthal, Burkhard Vogtherr
Located in Rosendahl, DE
"Hombre" lounge chairs designed by Burkhard Vogtherr for the Rosenthal Studio Line. Four chairs with strong wooden frames, high quality down cushions with original tropical fabric...
Fabric, Wood, Down
"Hombre" two-seat sofa by Burkhard Vogtherr for Rosenthal Furniture, 1970s
By Rosenthal, Burkhard Vogtherr
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
Two-seat sofa from the Hombre series, designed by Burkhard Vogtherr for Rosenthal, produced as part of the Rosenthal Furniture program. In 1972, Rosenthal expanded its activities be...
Leather, Oak
Verner Panton Original "Relaxer 2" Rocking Chair by Rosenthal, 1970s
By Verner Panton, Rosenthal
Located in The Hague, NL
Mid-Century Modern rocking chair " Relaxer II " by famous Danish designer Verner Panton and manufactured by Rosenthal Einrichtung in Germany, 1970s. The chair is in original conditi...
Fabric, Wood
1973, Verner Panton, 1-2-3 Serie Easy Chair in Original Panton Fabric
By Verner Panton, Rosenthal
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach...
Metal, Chrome
Postmodern German Nostro Leather Chair by Andreas Weber for Rosenthal, 1980s
By Rosenthal
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern German Nostro Leather Chair by Andreas Weber for Rosenthal Einrichtung, 1980er An impressive chair by Rosenthal, based on a design by Andreas Weber from the 1980s. The ...
Leather, Ash
2x Hombre Sofa Zweisitzer Couch Rosenthal Burkhard Vogtherr
By Burkhard Vogtherr, Rosenthal
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten eins von zwei wunderschönen und äußerst seltenen Vintage Design Sofas von Rosenthal Einrichtungen zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Burkhard Vogtherr und wurde bekann...
Wood
Lacquered Wood and Leather Dining Chairs, Set of 6 by Oswald Mathias Ungers
By Rosenthal
Located in Toronto, CA
Proof that black and white never get boring. Their crisp contrast makes these chairs chameleons; they could lend a pop-art presence to a crisp room, or just as naturally melt into the background of an ornate, more traditional space. Designed by architect Oswald Mathias Ungers...
Leather, Wood, Lacquer
Chaise pivotante pour Rosenthal Linie par Jutta & Herbert Ohl, années 1980
By Jutta and Herbert Ohl, Rosenthal
Located in Rouen, FR
Paire de chaises “Swing” dessinées par Jutta & Herbert Ohl dans les années 1970. Avec leur structure en acier tubulaire chromé et leur assise suspendue en métal blanc, ces chaises ex...
Metal
' Relaxer 2 ' Rocking Chairs by Verner Panton
By Verner Panton, Rosenthal
Located in Brussels, BE
Verner Panton's Relaxe 2 is one of his innovative piece of furniture that embodies mid-century modern design with a playful twist. His width of 100 cm makes the Relaxer 2 even more c...
Fabric, Beech
1973, Verner Panton for Rosenthal, 1-2-3 Serie, Rare Chaise Longue, Ochre Fabric
By Rosenthal, Verner Panton
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This chair is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beac...
Fabric, Upholstery
1970, Verner Panton, 1-2-3 Serie Office Chair, Original Panton Fabric by Kvadrat
By Verner Panton, Rosenthal
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible ...
Metal, Chrome
H 32.68 in W 29.53 in D 27.17 in
Three 'T Line' Armchairs by Burkhard Vogtherr Production Artflex 1980s Black
Located in Milano, IT
Trio of Postmodern Suede Armchairs with metal frame, armrests and legs with rubber upholstery and foam padding. Fair condition.
Metal
H 31.89 in W 18.12 in D 23.63 in
Panton S, Chairs Vitra by Verner Panton for Herman Miller 1965s
By Verner Panton
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good condition - cleaned.
Laminate
H 31.5 in W 30.71 in D 41.34 in
Pair of Lounge Chairs Pulkka, Ilmari Lappalainen for ASKO, Finland, 1970s
By Ilmari Lappalainen, Asko
Located in Praha, CZ
- Very confortable - Two chairs and one footstool - Marked by label - Rare in set.
Fabric, Wood
H 26.78 in W 38.59 in D 33.08 in
Rolf Sachs Lounge Chair Limited Edition 1/11, Germany, 1990
By Rolf Sachs
Located in Munich, DE
Rolf Sachs lounge chair was made in black painted steel, padded cushions with pear violet upholstery in Germany 1990, it is a limited edition of 11 pieces, and this is the model Nr.1. Rolf Sachs (born 1955) - Swiss artist and stage designer and son of the famous Playboy Gunter Sachs...
Steel
H 37.5 in W 32.25 in D 41.5 in
Vladimir Kagan Rocking Chair Upholstered in Champagne Ivory Peruvian Alpaca
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Iconic Vladimir Kagan walnut rocker newly upholstered in the softest hide on Earth - Champagne Ivory Alpaca. Most certainly an important acquisition for any discerning and sophisticated collector, this beautiful Vladimir Kagan Rocking Chair is constructed of curved walnut with a rich grain. Look at that gorgeous silhouette. The angled back and seat feature an ergonomic design that aligns you in perfect comfort and relieves pressure points. Scrolled curved cushions are symmetrical and are designed to gently support the back of your knees and neck. This Vladimir Kagan Rocker...
Hide, Alpaca, Walnut
H 31.11 in W 98.43 in D 41.34 in
Verner Panton “Cloverleaf” Modular Sofa for Verpan, 1969
By Verpan, Verner Panton
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Verner Panton “Cloverleaf” modular sofa for Verpan, green fabric, Denmark, 1969. Verner Panton designed the Cloverleaf modular sofa in 1969, ...
Fabric
H 33.47 in W 35.83 in D 29.53 in
Guillerme & Chambron Lounge Chair in Purple Upholstery
By Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, lounge chair, oak, fabric, France, 1960s. This lounge chair or snug loveseat has a Classic Guillerme & Chambron style. It is bulky yet elega...
Fabric, Oak
H 27.5 in Dm 47.5 in
Verner Panton "Pantonova" Dining Set of Dining Table and Six Chairs
By Fritz Hansen, Verner Panton
Located in Kansas City, MO
Very rare Verner Panton Pantonova dining table and chairs, made by Fritz Hansen, Denmark, 1971. Cognac color leather seat pads. Set includes table, m...
Chrome
H 24.81 in W 29.14 in D 31.5 in
Mid Century Lounge Chairs By Carl Straub 1970s, Set Of 2
By Carl Straub
Located in ECHT, NL
Mid-Century Lounge Chairs by Carl Straub 1970s, Set of 2 New Upholstery in Soft Grey / Taupe Fabric.
Fabric, Beech
H 29 in W 158 in D 84 in
Modular Sofa and Ottomans for Cassina
By Cassina
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Fully upholstered modular seating system with slab sides, tight seats, and ‘saddle bag’ style back and end cushions. Labeled Cassina under the seats on its metal frame as well as lab...
Metal
H 24.41 in W 114.18 in D 31.5 in
Modular Sofa by Rodolfo Bonetto for Tecnosalotto, 1960s
By Rodolfo Bonetto, Tecnosalotto
Located in bruxelles, BE
Sofa in fabric, metal and plastic. Fully modular. Stamped on the underside of each element. Dimensions of one element: H: 62 cm W: 80 cm D: 80 cm Seat height: 38 cm. Ottoman: H: 38 c...
Metal
H 35.83 in W 27.17 in D 28.35 in
Fröscher Office Chairs by Burkhard Vogtherr, Cognac Leather, 1970s
By Burkhard Vogtherr, Fröscher Sitform
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
This set of two Fröscher office chairs was designed by Burkhard Vogtherr in the 1970s and manufactured in the early 1980s. Featuring warm cognac-colored leather and black fiberglass ...
Leather
H 30.75 in W 30.5 in D 28 in
Mid-Century Chrome Swivel Lounge Chair by Leon Rosen for Pace Collection, 1970s
By Pace Collection, Leon Rosen
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This vintage swivel lounge chair, designed by Leon Rosen for the Pace Collection in the 1970s, perfectly captures the refined modernism that defined the era. Its sculptural form is w...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
H 32.29 in W 18.12 in D 18.12 in
430 Chair in Brown Velvet by Verner Panton
By Verpan, Verner Panton
Located in Horsens, DK
Fully upholstered stacking chair with brass finish metal frame and felt feet. It is the Raf Simons designed fabric, Harald from Kvadrat, c...
Metal
H 59 in W 70 in D 52 in
Mid-Century Modern Chaise by Ris & Selldorf, Yellow Fiberglass, 1969
By Ris and Selldorf
Located in Queens, NY
German Post-War Design (1969) "Sunball" yellow fiberglass spherical shaped adjustable chaise with brown cushions, pivoting tray and backlight on a round base. (RIS & SELLDORF)
Fiberglass, Upholstery
H 30.32 in W 33.47 in D 29.93 in
Set of 2 Rosenthal Hombre Leather Lounge Chairs by Burkhard Vogtherr, 1970
By Burkhard Vogtherr, Rosenthal
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
This pair of Hombre lounge chairs was designed by Burkhard Vogtherr for Rosenthal and is one of the characteristic furniture designs of German design in the 1970s. The Hombre series ...
Leather
H 28.75 in W 33.47 in D 31.89 in
Pair of “Hombre” Lounge Chairs by Burkhard Vogtherr for Rosenthal, 1970s
By Burkhard Vogtherr, Rosenthal
Located in London, London
Pair of “Hombre” Lounge Chairs by Burkhard Vogtherr for Rosenthal, 1970s A striking pair of Hombre lounge chairs designed by Burkhard Vogtherr for Rosenthal in the 1970s. Defined b...
Leather, Oak
H 33.86 in W 24.41 in D 35.44 in
Verner Panton Relaxer II Rocking Chair by Rosenthal
By Verner Panton, Rosenthal
Located in Berlin, DE
Verner Panton "Relaxer II" rocking chair, designed for Rosenthal Einrichtung, Germany, 1974. Reupholstered in brown leather. The beech frame shows light wear consistent with age. Dim...
Wood, Leather
H 30.71 in W 39.38 in D 39.38 in
Tandem Relaxer Rocking Chair 2for2 by Verner Panton for Rosenthal, Germany
By Verner Panton, Rosenthal
Located in Osnabrück, NDS
Tandem Relaxer rocking chair by famous Danish designer Verner Panton. Manufactured by Rosenthal Studio-Line, Germany, 1974. This rocking chair is...
Beech
Sunball Chair by Gunter Ris & Herbert Selldorf for Rosenthal, 1960s
By Herbert Selldorf, Rosenthal
Located in Zwevegem, VWV
Designed in 1969 by Günter Ferdinand Ris and Herbert Selldorf for Rosenthal, this original Sunball Chair is a sculptural masterpiece that seamlessly comb...
Fiberglass
H 31.5 in W 24.41 in D 39.38 in
'Relaxer 2' Rocking Chair by Verner Panton for Rosenthal Studio-Line, 1974
By Rosenthal, Verner Panton
Located in Antwerp, BE
Original Verner Panton Relaxer. Designed in 1974 and manufactured by Rosenthal Studio-line in Germany. Labeled. Beech wood solid frame with cushion in original yellow cotton fabric. ...
Upholstery, Beech
H 32.29 in W 24.81 in D 23.63 in
Set of 2 Hombre armchairs Rosenthal chair Burkhard Vogtherr 1970s
By Burkhard Vogtherr, Rosenthal
Located in Berlin, DE
We are offering two beautiful “Hombre” armchairs by Rosenthal from the 1970s for sale. The design is by Burkhard Vogtherr and is characterized by its unique, clear lines. The base ha...
Wood
H 28.35 in W 82.68 in D 31.89 in
BURKHARD VOGTHERR ROSENTHAL STUDIOLINE „HOMBRE“ ARMCHAIR & 3-SEATER SOFA, 1970s
By Burkhard Vogtherr, Rosenthal
Located in Reutlingen, DE
Exceptionally beautiful Burkhard Vogtherr for Rosenthal Studioline „Hombre“ set consisting of one armchair with a high, slightly adjustable backrest and a 3-seater sofa in beautifull...
Leather, Wood
H 27.56 in W 169.3 in D 35.04 in
Vario Pillo modular Sofa Burkhard Vogtherr 1969 Rosenthal Germany Mid Century
By Rosenthal, Burkhard Vogtherr
Located in Munster, NRW
This exuberant buildable sofa is designed by Burkhard Vogtherr in 1969 for Rosenthal, Germany. A very rare modular sofa consisting of freely arrangeable 12x seating elements. The fr...
Fabric, Plastic, Fiberglass
H 33.27 in W 23.43 in D 24.02 in
8 Postmodern "Nostro" Dining Armchairs by A. Weber for Rosenthal, Germany 1980s
By Cassina, Philippe Starck, Rosenthal, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Set of 8 Postmodern bentwood and upholstery armchairs by Andreas Weber for Rosenthal, Germany. Curved wooden frame is lacquered in gray, with the open pore pattern of the wood grai...
Upholstery, Wood, Bentwood
H 33.08 in W 25.2 in D 25.2 in
Set of 2 Rosenthal Hombre leather dining chairs by Burkhard Vogtherr
By Burkhard Vogtherr, Rosenthal
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
The set of two of these striking Hombre chairs comes in the most popular color combination of black leather/black wooden frame. The leather of the chairs ...
Leather
H 33.875 in W 19.625 in D 22 in
Set of 6 Black 1980s 1-2-3 Series Dining Chairs by Verner Panton for Rosenthal
By Verner Panton, Rosenthal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Six 1-2-3 Series dining chairs by Verner Panton, produced for Rosenthal in the 1980s. Each chair is built around Panton's signature continuous S-curve shell — a fully upholstered scu...
Metal, Chrome
H 33.08 in W 25.2 in D 25.2 in
Set of 4 Rosenthal Hombre leather dining chairs by Burkhard Vogtherr
By Burkhard Vogtherr, Rosenthal
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
The set of 4 of these striking Hombre chairs comes in the most popular color combination of black leather/black wooden frame. The leather of the chairs is...
Leather
H 27.56 in W 33.47 in D 31.5 in
Set of 2 Rosenthal Hombre leather armchairs by Burkhard Vogtherr
By Burkhard Vogtherr, Rosenthal
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
Two Hombre leather armchairs in the popular design, black wooden frame and black leather in very good condition. The leather of the cushions and backrest shows hardly any signs of we...
Leather
H 23.63 in W 125.99 in D 94.49 in
Las Vegas Custom Ordered 'Pool' Modular Sofa, by Colani including Reupholstery
By Luigi Colani, Rosenthal
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Custom Las Vegas Pool 2 corner elements 6 elements with backrest 4 floor cushion elements 3 headrests pieces 3 leg/back rest pieces 1 white Colani Pool ta...
Wool, Canvas, Fiberglass, Foam, Rubber