Signed Art Glass Wall Plaque “Der Verlorene Sohn” - Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal, 1982

From the Gleichnisse im Glas (German for "Parables in Glass") series created for Rosenthal Studio-Linie, this wall plaque presents Wiinblad’s interpretation of The Prodigal Son in cut and reverse-painted glass. The composition combines cobalt blue, transparent crystal and gilded detailing, with the narrative rendered in his unmistakable lyrical style. This example is hand-signed by the artist on the reverse and dated Düsseldorf, 17.10.83.

• Dimensions: H 2 cm, W 31 cm, D 31 cm
  
• Material: Cut and reverse-painted art glass, lacquered metal mounting plate
  
• Brand: Rosenthal
  
• Designer: Bjørn Wiinblad
  
• Color: Cobalt blue, transparent crystal, gold
  
• Era: 1980s
  
• Origin: Germany
  
• Condition: Very good vintage condition; no chips, cracks, or restorations. Minimal wear consistent with age and careful display.
  
• Remarks: Limited edition wall plaque; hand-signed by Bjørn Wiinblad in gold marker on the reverse, dated Düsseldorf, 17.10.83.

This piece has a wonderful sense of intimacy despite its decorative richness. The deep cobalt gives it a strong presence on the wall, while the gilded details catch the light in a softer, almost devotional way.

Bjørn Wiinblad (1918–2006), the flamboyant Danish illustrator, set designer and ceramicist, is internationally known for his richly patterned worlds of opera-like figures and ornamental fantasy. Working across media from posters to theatre stages and porcelain, he rejected strict Scandinavian minimalism in favour of lush, narrative decoration. His collaborations with Rosenthal allowed his graphic, romantic style to reach a global audience, translating his drawings into high-quality porcelain reliefs and décors.

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.