Pillowcase Ceramic Vase Trio – Karl & Ursula Scheid for Rosenthal, 1980s

Graduated ceramic vase trio designed by Karl and Ursula Scheid for Rosenthal Studio-Line, defined by softly compressed, cushion-like forms and a finely shaded brown glaze. The series reflects the Scheids’ restrained ceramic language, where subtle volume, tactile surface, and small shifts in proportion create a calm but distinctive composition.

• Dimensions:
  
  • Large: H 22 cm, W 12.5 cm, D 7 cm
    
  • Medium: H 18 cm, W 12.5 cm, D 7 cm
    
  • Small: H 13 cm, W 12.5 cm, D 7 cm
• Material: Ceramic
  
• Brand: Rosenthal 
  
• Designer: Karl Scheid and Ursula Scheid
  
• Color: Gradient brown
  
• Condition: Excellent vintage condition; no chips, cracks, or repairs; minor age-appropriate signs of handling may be present
  
• Era: 1980s
  
• Origin: Germany
  
• Remarks: set of three vases from the “Pillowcase” series

Group the three together on a console, shelf, or sideboard so the shift in height reads clearly. They look best kept simple - either empty or with a few dry branches in one vase - so the glaze and softened form stay in focus.

Ursula Scheid (1932–2008) and Karl Scheid (1929–2019) were among the key names in postwar German ceramics. Working together from their studio in Düdelsheim, they developed vessels with reduced forms, subtle volume, and nuanced glazes; their designs for Rosenthal translated that measured studio language into collectible serial production.

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.