Plus Blue–Green Porcelain Vase – Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal, 1960s–1970s

Glossy porcelain vase from Tapio Wirkkala’s PLUS series for Rosenthal Studio-Line, finished in a deep blue glaze with a green ribbed base. The form builds from a layered foot into a narrowed center and broad dish-like rim, showing Wirkkala’s gift for shaping porcelain through proportion, symmetry, and clean contour.

• Dimensions: H 20 cm, Dia. 15 cm
  
• Material: Porcelain
  
• Brand: Rosenthal
  
• Designer: Tapio Wirkkala
  
• Color: Blue and green
  
• Condition: Excellent vintage condition; vibrant glaze; minimal signs of age
  
• Era: 1960s–1970s
  
• Origin: Germany
  

This one works best as a color accent in an otherwise quiet setting. Pair it with chalky whites, soft greys, dark wood, or brushed metal, and avoid putting it near other bright ceramics - the blue-green glaze already gives the piece enough presence.

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.