“Phi City” Bisque Porcelain Vase – Cairn Young for Rosenthal, 2019

Large matte white porcelain vase from Rosenthal’s “Phi” collection, designed by Cairn Young with a dense relief of interlocking cubic forms that creates the impression of a shifting city skyline. The complex pattern responds strongly to changing light, giving the cylindrical body a precise, digitally generated appearance.

• Dimensions: H 30 cm, W 22 cm, D 22 cm
  
• Material: Bisque porcelain
  
• Brand: Rosenthal
  
• Designer: Cairn Young
  
• Collection: Phi
  
• Model: Phi City, form 14605
  
• Color: Matte white
  
• Condition: Very good condition; no chips, cracks or restorations
  
• Era: 2019
  
• Origin: Germany
  
• Remarks: Introduced in 2019; geometric relief composed of layered cubic forms

Its substantial proportions suit a low sideboard, console or wide shelf where lateral light can emphasise the changing relief. Display it empty as a design object, with tall branches, or with a generous loose bouquet that contrasts with the precise geometry.

The “Phi” collection comprises five designs - City, Freeze, Spindrift, Manhattan and Snow - each distinguished by a different spiral geometric relief. In “Phi City,” cubic forms build an abstract skyline that appears to shift as the viewing angle and light change.

Cairn Young (born 1963) is a British designer associated with the contemporary London design scene. After establishing Platt & Young with Robin Platt in 1991, he developed independent projects characterised by geometric experimentation, visual movement and unconventional surface structures.

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.