Rosenthal Plates: Bavaria Markings And Their Significance

Founded in 1879 by Philipp Rosenthal, the Rosenthal Porcelain Factory has been producing fine porcelain wares and figures since the early 20th century. The company did not manufacture its own ceramics until 1889 when Rosenthal set up his own factory in Selb, Bavaria. The underside of many Rosenthal plates is marked with Rosenthal Selb Bavaria, and this mark was used between 1907 and 1956.

History of Rosenthal plates

The Rosenthal brand has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. Founded by Philipp Rosenthal in 1879 and established in Selb, Bavaria, the company has since become synonymous with fine porcelain wares and intricate designs.

In the beginning, Rosenthal bought plain Hutschenreuther whiteware, which his wife, Maria, would decorate and sell door-to-door. As the business grew, Rosenthal established his first factory in the Bohemian town of Asch in 1891 due to a porcelain shortage in the market. The whiteware produced in this factory was then painted and decorated in Rosenthal's workshops. Over time, the company expanded and took over several other factories in Germany, including those in Kronach, Marktredwitz, Waldenburg, and Sophienthal.

In the early 20th century, artistic ceramic divisions were opened, and the company continued to thrive under Rosenthal's leadership. However, as a Jew, Rosenthal faced challenges in Germany during the 1930s. He eventually lost control of his business and was forced to leave the country in 1935, passing away two years later in 1937.

Despite these setbacks, the factory continued to operate during World War II. Philip Rosenthal, the son of the founder, fought against Nazi Germany and later returned to reclaim the business, succeeding in 1950. Under his leadership, the company recovered swiftly, hiring renowned artists such as Bjorn Wiinblad from Denmark and Tapio Wirkkala from Finland.

Today, Rosenthal is known for its high-quality porcelain and tableware, with items ranging from dinner plates and salad plates to sugar bowls and vases. The brand has become a staple in fine dining, gracing the tables of prestigious hotels and restaurants worldwide.

Different designs of Rosenthal plates

Rosenthal is a German company founded in 1879 in Selb, Bavaria, that manufactures porcelain and tableware. The company offers a wide range of dinner plates with unique designs and shapes, complementing various interior design styles. Here is a description of some of the different designs of Rosenthal plates:

The Brillance Collection:

The Brillance collection features fine, transparent bone china porcelain that accentuates the decors of the design lines. The dinner plates in this collection are lovingly decorated, exuding a timelessly elegant ambiance. The Fleurs Sauvages line within this collection features playful floral decorations that appear hand-painted on the high-quality porcelain service.

The Versace Collection:

The Rosenthal meets Versace collection showcases extravagantly decorated plates that create opulent table decorations. The Medusa Amplified collection, part of the Versace line, offers innovative designs with elaborate patterns and colourful porcelain. These plates set special design accents on the table and become aesthetic centrepieces.

The Maria Collection:

The Maria collection is an iconic crockery classic that exudes romantic nostalgia. This collection offers classic dinner plates in white, as well as colour lines in delicate pastel shades, allowing individuals to curate their own unique set. The plates in this collection are made of shimmering bone china porcelain, contributing to its elegant and nostalgic aesthetic.

The TAC Collection:

The TAC collection is a popular tableware line that includes the classic white dinner plate. This collection provides the perfect finishing touch to any table setting, emphasising the host's sense of style. The TAC Comfort Blue Plate, for instance, measures 28 cm and is priced at £44.00.

The Junto Collection:

The Junto collection features asymmetrical designs, such as the Junto White dinner plates, complementing modern interior styles. The Junto Dune Plate, for instance, is a deep plate available in different sizes, with the 28 cm plate priced at £48.50.

The Studio Line:

The Rosenthal Studio Line, used in the 1970s and 1980s, features items designed by Bjorn Wiinblad. This line includes the Kumi collection, which offers plates with coloured rims. The Kumi Rose Tone Rim Plate, for example, measures 28 cm and is priced at £24.00.

These descriptions provide a glimpse into the diverse designs and collections of Rosenthal plates, showcasing the company's commitment to unique design and high-quality porcelain dinnerware.

The value of Rosenthal plates

Rosenthal plates span a wide range of styles and designs, from antique hand-painted plates from the late 19th and early 20th centuries to more modern and contemporary pieces. The company's early years focused on innovative design and quality craftsmanship, with a gold medal won at the 1900 Paris World's Fair attesting to their success in these endeavours. This commitment to excellence has endured, and Rosenthal has continued to collaborate with famous artists and designers, including Salvador Dalí, Andy Warhol, Wilhelm Wagenfeld, and Walter Gropius. These collaborations have resulted in iconic ranges such as the "Tulip" and "Studio Line" collections.

Additionally, limited edition and special releases by Rosenthal also tend to be more valuable and sought-after. For instance, the Versace "Medusa" porcelain charger plate by Rosenthal is a luxurious and exclusive item. Other factors that can influence the value of Rosenthal plates include the materials used, the presence of decorative elements like gold trim or gilding, and the overall condition of the plate.

How to identify Rosenthal plates

Identifying Rosenthal plates can be tricky, but there are a few key things to look out for. Firstly, it's important to know that Rosenthal has been producing porcelain since 1879, so age can be a good indicator. If you're unsure about the age of a plate, look for any marks or stamps on the base which might include the words "Rosenthal", "Selb", "Bavaria", or the year of production. For example, you might find "Rosenthal Selb-Bavaria" or a green stamp that says "Rosenthal Bavaria". These marks can also provide information about the specific collection the plate belongs to, such as "Monbijou" or "Malmaison".

Another way to identify a Rosenthal plate is by examining the design. Rosenthal has produced a wide range of designs over the years, from simple and elegant to more ornate and decorative styles. Some plates may feature hand-painted designs, such as flowers, birds, or fruit. Others might have more modern or contemporary designs, such as the "Loft" collection by Thomas, which features subtle white-on-white line relief.

In addition to the marks and designs, the weight and texture of the plate can also be indicative of a Rosenthal. Their plates are often made of high-quality porcelain, which can feel quite delicate and lightweight. The glaze used by Rosenthal is also known for its resistance to signs of use, so look for plates with minimal scratches or marks.

Finally, the price of a Rosenthal plate can be a good indicator of its authenticity. While prices can vary depending on age, design, and condition, Rosenthal plates tend to be more expensive than other brands, with some pieces selling for several hundred dollars.

Where to buy Rosenthal plates

Rosenthal is a German porcelain company founded in 1879 in Selb, Bavaria. The company has changed hands several times over the years, but it is currently traded as Rosenthal GmbH.

You can buy Rosenthal plates from a variety of online retailers, including:

• Etsy: Etsy has a large selection of vintage and antique Rosenthal plates, including some from the Bavaria line.
• EBay: eBay offers a range of pre-owned and new Rosenthal plates, with prices to suit different budgets.
• Macy's: Macy's carries Rosenthal dinnerware, including plates, as part of its Fine China collection.
• 1stDibs: This online store has a range of antique and vintage Rosenthal plates and other tableware, including items from the Rosenthal Bavaria line.
• Ruby Lane: Ruby Lane offers a selection of antique and vintage Rosenthal plates, including some hand-painted options.

In addition to these online options, you may also be able to find Rosenthal plates through local antique stores, vintage shops, or tableware specialists.

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