Vase “Glasstruktur” – Martin Freyer for Rosenthal, 1970s

Tall white glass vase from the sought-after Glasstruktur series by Martin Freyer for Rosenthal Studio Line. The glossy body is covered in a bold, fractured relief reminiscent of frozen stream of water, giving the piece a strong, textural presence even when empty. A definitive example of 1970s Brutalist / Op Art-influenced German design.

• Dimensions: H approx. 30 cm · W 18 cm · D 10 cm
• Material: Glass
• Brand: Rosenthal
• Designer: Martin Freyer
• Color: Transparent
• Condition: Very good vintage condition; no chips, cracks or repairs, with light signs of age and use
• Era: 1970s
• Origin: Germany
• Remarks: Rosenthal mark on the bottom 

Ideal on a long sideboard, low cabinet or wide mantel where its height and texture can really breathe. Let it stand near a stack of art books or a simple metal or wood tray, and if you use flowers, keep them spare: a single dark branch, dried reeds or eucalyptus stems will underline the graphic relief without competing with it. It also works beautifully in a minimal hallway or office, where the changing daylight can skim across the surface and bring out all the sharp ridges and shadows.

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.