Sculptural Bisque Porcelain Duo - Martin Freyer for Rosenthal, 1968 and 1984

A pair of sculptural porcelain vases designed by Martin Freyer for Rosenthal Studio-Linie, bringing together two distinct moments of his work. One vase is more geometric and restrained, the other more tactile and relief-driven, yet both share Freyer’s characteristic focus on structure, shadow, and form. 

• Dimensions:
  
  • Model 3065/22: H 22 cm, W 7.5 cm, D 6 cm
    
  • Model 2920/19: H 19 cm, W 6.5 cm, D 6.5 cm
    
• Material: Matte bisque porcelain
  
• Brand: Rosenthal
  
• Designer: Martin Freyer
  
• Color: White
  
• Era: 1968 and 1984
  
• Origin: Germany
  
• Condition: Very good vintage condition; no chips, cracks, or restorations. Matte surfaces clean and well preserved.
  
• Remarks: Set of two; model 3065/22 marked 2. Selection (2. Wahl), model 2920/19 produced in 1968.

This duo has a very considered presence. The earlier vase brings a more disciplined, linear note, while the taller Fossil model introduces a softer, almost weathered surface. Together they work especially well in interiors that favour quiet material contrast — on a shelf with books, against darker wood, or in a more minimal setting where their relief can be appreciated in changing light.

Hans Martin Freyer (1909–1975) was a German painter, graphic and industrial designer whose work ranged from architecture and stage design to textiles and product design. Best known to the wider public as the creator of the refined Volkswagen VW logo in 1938, he later worked as a freelance designer of patterns, structures and reliefs. From 1964 to 1974 he designed for Rosenthal, developing sculptural relief decorations for glass and porcelain in the studio-line – most famously the Plissée vases, whose pleated, fabric-like white or black bisque surfaces remain icons of mid-century and Op-Art influenced German porcelain design.

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.