Rosenthal figurines represent a unique chapter in European porcelain history, blending German craftsmanship with modernist design sensibilities that transformed 20th-century ceramics.
Founded in 1879, the Rosenthal Porcelain Company distinguished itself by collaborating with renowned artists and designers to create pieces that challenged conventional porcelain aesthetics.
From Art Deco dancers to sleek mid-century animal sculptures, Rosenthal figurines showcase an evolution from traditional decorative porcelain to bold, contemporary art objects.
In this blog, we will explore Rosenthal's history, marks to identify genuine pieces, the most collectible figurine series and artists, and guidance for collectors interested in buying or selling these distinctive ceramics.
The History of Rosenthal Porcelain
Philipp Rosenthal established the Rosenthal Porcelain Company in 1879 in Bavaria. Unlike many German porcelain manufacturers that focused on reproducing historical styles, Rosenthal positioned his company at the forefront of contemporary design from the outset.
Initially, the company purchased white porcelain blanks from other manufacturers and decorated them at Rosenthal's own decorating studio, but by 1890, Rosenthal had established his first porcelain factory in Selb, Bavaria, allowing him to exercise complete control over production.
Under Philipp Rosenthal's leadership, the company embraced the Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) movement that swept through Europe at the turn of the 20th century. Rosenthal commissioned designs from prominent artists, establishing a pattern of artistic collaboration that would define the company's identity throughout its history. This progressive approach distinguished Rosenthal from more conservative German porcelain houses that remained tied to 18th and 19th-century traditions.
The company's commitment to modern design intensified under Philipp Rosenthal Jr., who assumed leadership in 1934. Despite the challenging years of World War II, Rosenthal emerged in the post-war period as a leading force in modernist ceramics. The company's "Rosenthal Studio Line," launched in 1961, became synonymous with cutting-edge design, featuring collaborations with internationally acclaimed artists, architects, and designers.
Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, Rosenthal continued to push boundaries, working with figures like Björn Wiinblad, Salvador Dalí, Gianni Versace, and numerous Bauhaus-influenced designers. This willingness to embrace contemporary aesthetics made Rosenthal figurines distinctly different from traditional porcelain collectibles—they were art objects first, decorative pieces second.
Rosenthal Figurines Through the Years
Rosenthal figurines span an extraordinary range of styles, reflecting the company's century-long commitment to contemporary art. Unlike manufacturers that maintained consistent house styles, Rosenthal's aesthetic evolved dramatically across different periods and artists, making the company's output remarkably diverse.
Early Period (1880s-1920s): Early Rosenthal figurines reflected Jugendstil and Art Nouveau influences, featuring graceful maidens, nymphs, and allegorical subjects rendered with flowing lines and naturalistic details. These pieces, while more traditional than later work, already demonstrated the quality craftsmanship that would become Rosenthal's hallmark.
Art Deco Era (1920s-1930s): During this period, Rosenthal produced some of its most iconic figurines. Dancers, athletes, and stylized animals reflected the era's fascination with movement, geometry, and modern life. Artists like Ferdinand Liebermann and Claire Weiss created dynamic figurines that captured the spirit of the Jazz Age with elongated forms, dramatic poses, and streamlined aesthetics.
Post-War Modernism (1950s-1970s): The post-war period marked Rosenthal's golden age of artist collaborations. The Studio Line featured works by prominent designers who brought fresh perspectives to porcelain sculpture. Figurines from this era often emphasized abstraction, minimalism, and organic forms that broke completely with traditional porcelain conventions.
Contemporary Period (1980s-Present): Rosenthal continued collaborating with international artists and fashion designers, producing limited-edition figurines that blurred the line between craft and fine art. These pieces often commanded gallery prices and appealed to collectors of contemporary art rather than traditional porcelain enthusiasts.
Identifying and Authenticating Rosenthal Figurines
Authenticating Rosenthal figurines requires examining backstamps, artist signatures, model numbers, and stylistic characteristics. Rosenthal's long history and varied output mean that marks evolved considerably over time.
Rosenthal used numerous marks throughout its history, with variations indicating different production periods, factories, and product lines.
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Early Marks (1879-1906): The earliest Rosenthal marks featured the company name in various scripts and formats. Pre-1891 pieces may bear "Rosenthal & Co." or simply "Rosenthal," with location indicators such as "Selb" or "Bavaria."
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Crown and RC Mark (1891-1907): Rosenthal introduced a mark featuring a crown above intertwined "RC" letters (for Rosenthal Company). This mark appears on many turn-of-the-century pieces and helps date figurines to the Art Nouveau period.
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Rosenthal Selb Bavaria (1907-1953): From 1907, most pieces bore the mark "Rosenthal Selb Bavaria" in various formats, often with additional symbols or numbers. The presence of "Bavaria" helps date pieces to pre-1953, before Bavaria was absorbed into West Germany's standardized trade designations.
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Post-War Marks (1949-Present): After World War II, Rosenthal marks typically read "Rosenthal Germany" or "Rosenthal Studio-Line Germany." The Studio Line mark specifically indicates pieces from the modernist design initiative launched in 1961.
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Artist Signatures: Many Rosenthal figurines bear the signature, monogram, or stamp of the artist or modeller. Notable signatures include those of Ferdinand Liebermann, Gerhard Schliepstein, Fritz Klimsch, and numerous Studio Line artists. These signatures significantly enhance both authenticity verification and value.
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Model Numbers: Rosenthal assigned model numbers to most figurines, typically stamped or printed on the base alongside the company mark. These numbers help identify specific designs, production dates, and limited-edition status.
Popular Rosenthal Figurines and Notable Artists
Several Rosenthal artists and series have achieved particular renown among collectors, with certain pieces commanding premium prices at auction.
Ferdinand Liebermann: Active at Rosenthal from the 1920s through the 1940s, Liebermann created elegant Art Deco figurines, particularly dancers and female nudes that exemplify the period's sophisticated aesthetic. His pieces feature elongated proportions, graceful poses, and refined details, making them highly collectible.
Gerhard Schliepstein: Working primarily in the 1930s and 1940s, Schliepstein produced animal figurines notable for their naturalistic yet stylized qualities. His horses, dogs, and wildlife sculptures balanced anatomical accuracy with artistic interpretation.
Björn Wiinblad: This Danish artist's whimsical, folk-art-inspired designs for Rosenthal's Studio Line in the 1970s and 1980s created a distinct subset of collectibles. His colourful, decorative figurines featuring fanciful characters and ornate surface patterns appeal to collectors of mid-century Scandinavian design.
Fritz Klimsch: An influential German sculptor, Klimsch created classical-style figurines for Rosenthal that bridged traditional aesthetics and modern sensibilities. His graceful female figures and allegorical subjects remain popular among collectors who prefer representational over abstract work.
Studio Line Collaborations: Limited-edition figurines created through Rosenthal's Studio Line program, particularly those by internationally recognized artists and designers, represent the company's most prestigious offerings. These pieces often appreciate significantly, especially when accompanied by original documentation.
Art Deco Dancers and Athletes: Figurines depicting dancers, athletes, and modern subjects from the 1920s and 1930s capture the dynamism and optimism of the interwar period. These pieces, characterized by streamlined forms and dramatic poses, remain among the most sought-after Rosenthal collectibles.
When evaluating Rosenthal figurines, collectors consider the artist's reputation, production period, rarity, condition, and how well the piece exemplifies its era's design philosophy. Art Deco pieces and notable Studio Line collaborations typically command the highest prices, though exceptional examples from any period can prove valuable.
Vintage Figurines at Around the Block
The enduring appeal of Rosenthal figurines lies in their artistic ambition and willingness to challenge porcelain conventions. These pieces document the evolution of modern design while showcasing the technical excellence of German porcelain craftsmanship. Whether you appreciate Art Deco elegance or mid-century modernism, Rosenthal offers collectors sophisticated works that transcend mere decoration.
Around the Block carries all the top porcelain figurine brands, including Herend, Royal Doulton, Lladró, Hutschenreuther, Goebel, and more, making us Toronto's premier destination for fine porcelain collectibles. Visit us at our Lesmill Rd shop in Toronto to see our full collection of figurines, or check out a curated collection of previously owned figurines for sale online.
