Rosenthal Pottery

Rosenthal porcelain pieces are objects of true Bavarian beauty. Originating in Selb in the late 19th century, Rosenthal pieces are coveted today for their brilliant patterns and air of elegance.

Phillip Rosenthal Erkersreuth first opened his porcelain painting workshop in 1879 and slowly grew his business into a full-scale production company by 1890. Rosenthal's painted patterns achieved immediate recognition, so much so that Rosenthal experienced ongoing expansion over the closing years of the 19th century and into the early years of the 20th century, expanding his company’s offerings in 1910 into the field of art pottery.

Thanks to Rosenthal's skills in both porcelain production and marketing, the Rosenthal brand enjoyed ongoing acclaim from its clientele, even through the difficult war years. Rosenthal's acclaim continues to this day, with cultured collectors clamoring for a treasured piece of antique Rosenthal porcelain.

Quick Facts

• While most Rosenthal pieces bear the recognizable mark of a crown inset between crossed batons, Rosenthal's earliest porcelain (produced between 1887 and 1891) bore the mark of an artist's palette with the initials Ph.R. & Co.
• As a testament to the prestige associated with Rosenthal designs, the famed modernist and Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius designed a factory for the company in Amberg, Germany in the late '60s
• Though Rosenthal patterns are still being created in Bavaria, the Rosenthal company was purchased in 2009 by Sambonet Paderno Industries, an Italian company specializing in kitchenware