Unveiling the story of Rosenthal Keramik, we discover a legacy that began with an ashtray. Philipp Rosenthal founded his company in 1879. His first product was an ashtray with the inscription “Resting place for lit cigars.”
Rosenthal’s journey started in Erkersreuth. He moved his porcelain painting business from Werl. He was based in the castle Erkersreuth. The business quickly thrived. By 1890, Rosenthal moved to Selb. A year later, he began manufacturing his own porcelain. White porcelain was in short supply then. Rosenthal’s first complete table service was called Empire. It was displayed at Paris’s Exposition Universelle in 1900. Rosenthal achieved prominence early in the 20th century.
In 1910, Rosenthal established an Art Department. This division focused on luxury tableware and decorative objects. Rosenthal’s production faced disruption during World War I. But the company expanded in the 1920s. It moved its head offices to Berlin.
Philipp Rosenthal had to withdraw from the enterprise in 1934. This was because of his Jewish heritage. The Nazi regime did not want to jeopardize the company’s foreign business. The Rosenthal brand name continued to be used.
After the war, Philip Rosenthal Jr. joined the company. He played a vital role in modern product design. In 1960, the Rosenthal Studiohaus opened in Nuremberg. It became the world’s first design chain.
Rosenthal collaborated with many industrial designers. These included Raymond Loewy, Tapio Wirkkala, and Luigi Colani. Walter Gropius designed the tea service TAC for Rosenthal.
The company expanded into glassworks and cutlery production. They even diversified into furniture. In 1992, Rosenthal linked with Gianni Versace in Milan. Waterford Wedgwood acquired a controlling interest in the Rosenthal Group in 1997.
Leading international figures designed for Rosenthal. These included Henry Moore, Nicki de Saint-Phalle, and Jasper Morrison. Jasper Morrison designed the Noon porcelain dinnerware service in 1997.
In 2009, Rosenthal faced insolvency. Sambonet Paderno Industrie acquired the company. Rosenthal GmbH remains in Selb.
The Rosenthal Archive contains around 15,000 exhibits. These represent 130 years of company history. The Oberfranken Foundation purchased the archive. It is now a permanent loan to the Porzellanikon. The collection includes designs by Salvador Dalí and Andy Warhol.
Rosenthal’s brands include Rosenthal studio-line and Rosenthal classic. There is also Rosenthal meets Versace. Thomas and Hutschenreuther are also Rosenthal brands. Arzberg and Arthur Krupp complete the portfolio.
Rosenthal’s legacy includes collaborations with Otmar Alt and Mario Bellini. Also included are Luigi Colani, Salvador Dalí, and Walter Gropius. Tapio Wirkkala, Gianni Versace, and Bjørn Wiinblad also worked with Rosenthal.
Rosenthal, a name synonymous with German porcelain excellence, has continually evolved. It adapted to changing tastes. From its humble beginnings to international acclaim, Rosenthal Keramik remains a testament to design, innovation, and enduring quality.