Bisque porcelain Vase Duo – Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal, 1960s / 2012

Striking black and white porcelain vase duo by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Studio-Line, bringing together two sculptural forms with contrasting textures and finishes. With its reduced lines, tactile detailing, and balanced proportions, the set captures Wirkkala’s quiet, highly controlled approach to modern design.

• Dimensions:
  
  • White vase: H 18,5 cm, Dia 16,5 cm
    
  • Black vase: H 26 cm, Dia 11,5 cm
    
• Material: Porcelain
  
• Brand: Rosenthal Studio-Line
  
• Designer: Tapio Wirkkala
  
• Color: Black, white
  
• Condition: Excellent vintage condition, no chips or cracks, minor traces of age and use
  
• Era: 1960s / 2012 (white vase)
  
• Origin: Germany
  
• Remarks: 2 pieces, white vase marked with Nr. 13070/18

This pair suits collectors of Tapio Wirkkala and Rosenthal Studio-Line, but also works beautifully as an everyday design accent. It adds depth to calm, monochrome, Scandinavian, or modern interiors and looks especially good on a sideboard or table with just a few stems or left completely unfilled.

Tapio Wirkkala (1915–1985) was one of the most important Finnish designers and sculptors of the 20th century and a major figure of post-war Nordic design. His work for Rosenthal – including the iconic crumpled paper bag vases and the geometric Polygon tableware for the Studio Line – uniquely combined Scandinavian minimalism with German porcelain craftsmanship and is still considered a milestone in the Rosenthal portfolio. Beyond Rosenthal, Wirkkala’s multidisciplinary designs in glass, wood, metal and porcelain for Iittala and others, defined Nordic design with their minimalist, functional yet highly expressive character and are now widely recognized as modern design classics in museum collections worldwide.

Rosenthal, founded in 1879 in Selb, Bavaria, is one of Germany’s most important porcelain manufacturers, recognised for combining industrial production with high design standards. With its Studio-Linie programme from the 1960s onwards, Rosenthal invited international artists and designers to create avant-garde forms and décors, making pieces like this set both functional objects and design collectibles.