Rosenthal
company history
The story of Rosenthal began in 1879 when Philipp Rosenthal established a porcelain painting workshop in Erkersreuth, Bavaria. Unlike his competitors, Rosenthal focused on innovative designs and marketing from the start. By the turn of the century, the company had transitioned from a small workshop to a major industrial force, establishing its own porcelain factory in Selb and becoming a pioneer in high-end tableware.
The mid-20th century marked a radical shift under the leadership of Philipp Rosenthal Jr. He believed that porcelain should reflect the spirit of the time. In 1961, he launched the Studio-line, a revolutionary concept that integrated fine art into functional objects. By collaborating with world-renowned artists, architects, and designers, Rosenthal moved away from traditional floral patterns toward avant-garde, sculptural forms, cementing its position as a global design leader.
Today, Rosenthal is part of the Arcturus Group and remains a symbol of German excellence. It continues to bridge the gap between tradition and the future, utilizing cutting-edge technology while maintaining the meticulous craftsmanship that has defined the brand for over 140 years.
The history of Rosenthal is defined by a series of transformative milestones that shaped the global porcelain industry. It all began in 1879, when Philipp Rosenthal founded his workshop in Bavaria, quickly gaining fame for innovative items like his signature ashtrays. A major peak in traditional design arrived in 1916 with the debut of the "Maria" service, which remains a bestseller over a century later. The brand’s identity shifted dramatically in 1961 with the launch of the Studio-line, a revolutionary move by Philipp Rosenthal Jr. to treat porcelain as a medium for fine art, leading to the construction of a landmark factory by Bauhaus master Walter Gropius in 1967. This spirit of partnership reached a glamorous height in 1992 with the start of the Rosenthal meets Versace collection, merging high fashion with ceramic craft. Since joining the Arcturus Group in 2009, Rosenthal has continued to lead the luxury market, blending its rich heritage with modern sustainability and cutting-edge design.
Rosenthal
designers
