Dating Rosenthal China: Kronach Bavaria Age Marks

The age of China marked 'Rosenthal Kronach Bavaria' can be determined by examining the various Rosenthal markings and the years they were in use. Rosenthal, a German manufacturer of porcelain products, was founded in 1879 as a family business by Philipp Rosenthal. Over time, the company expanded and acquired several factories, including one in Kronach in 1897. The specific marking of 'Rosenthal Kronach Bavaria' was likely used between 1901 and 1927, as indicated by the mark 'R.C. Kronach - Bavariaelse'. This information helps identify the year of manufacture for items bearing this mark.

Philipp Rosenthal's early business ventures

Philipp Rosenthal, born in 1854, founded his porcelain business in 1884 in Erkersreuth, near Bavarian Selb. Initially, he purchased Hutschenreuther whiteware, which was then decorated by his wife Maria and sold door-to-door.

In 1891, Rosenthal established his first factory in the Bohemian town of Asch, due to a porcelain shortage in the market. The whiteware produced there was painted and decorated in Rosenthal's workshops. Over time, Rosenthal expanded his business by taking over factories in various locations, including Kronach, Marktredwitz, Selb, Waldenburg, Sophienthal, and Waldershof.

In 1910 and 1920, Rosenthal opened artistic ceramic divisions, showcasing his commitment to innovation and design. Unfortunately, due to his Jewish origin, Rosenthal and his family were forced to emigrate to England in 1934 as the situation in Germany became increasingly dangerous. He lost control of his business, and sadly, passed away in 1937.

Despite these challenges, the factory continued to operate during World War II. After the war, Rosenthal's son, Philip, fought against Nazi Germany and successfully regained control of the company in 1950. With his leadership, the company flourished, hiring renowned artists and designers from around the world.

Rosenthal factory history

The Rosenthal company, a German manufacturer of porcelain products and other household goods, was founded in 1879 as a family business by Philipp Rosenthal. Rosenthal first set up a porcelain painting business in Erkersreuth Castle in Selb, Bavaria, where he decorated and sold whiteware from Hutschenreuther.

In 1891, Rosenthal established his first porcelain factory in the Bohemian town of Asch, choosing the location due to a porcelain shortage in the market. The whiteware produced there was painted and decorated in Rosenthal's workshops. Over the next few decades, Rosenthal expanded his business, taking over several factories in Germany and beyond: Kronach, Marktredwitz, Selb, Waldenburg, Sophienthal, and Waldershof. In 1897, he founded the company Bauer, Rosenthal & Co. in Kronach, as well as Philipp Rosenthal & Co. AG.

In 1908, Rosenthal purchased the F. Thomas porcelain factory, which had been founded in 1904 in Marktredwitz. In 1910, Rosenthal opened an artistic ceramic division, and in 1921, the company took over the Krister Porzellanmanufaktur in Wałbrzych, Silesia.

During the Nazi regime, Philipp Rosenthal, who was Jewish, was forced to withdraw from the enterprise in 1934. He left Germany in 1935 and died in 1937. Despite this, the company continued to operate during World War II.

After the war, in 1950, Philip Rosenthal Jr., the son of the founder, returned to Germany and successfully regained control of the company. He played a crucial role in the development of Rosenthal AG between 1958 and 1981, hiring renowned artists and designers and opening the first Studio House in Nuremberg in 1960.

In 1967, Rosenthal built a new, state-of-the-art porcelain factory in Selb, which even wrote architectural history. Designed by Walter Gropius, the "Rosenthal am Rothbühl" factory featured modern production facilities and automation, ensuring precision and consistency in manufacturing.

In 1972, Philip Rosenthal Jr. added a furniture collection to the company's offerings, demonstrating his forward-thinking approach. Over the years, Rosenthal GmbH has continued to innovate, collaborate with renowned designers, and expand its brand portfolio.

In 1997, Rosenthal AG entered into a strategic partnership with Waterford Wedgwood plc., with the British-Irish group acquiring a majority shareholding. However, due to financial difficulties, the company was eventually sold to the Italian company Sambonet Paderno Industrie (Arcturus Group) in 2009, becoming Rosenthal GmbH.

Today, Rosenthal GmbH remains a leading manufacturer of porcelain products, known for their exceptional design, function, quality, and manufacturing standards. The company has a strong international presence and continues to be a pioneer in the design and innovation of porcelain and other lifestyle products.

The Rosenthal family's experience during WWII

The Rosenthal family, specifically referring to Philipp Rosenthal and his son, Philip Rosenthal, had a challenging experience during World War II. Philipp Rosenthal, a Jew, faced significant difficulties due to rising tensions and antisemitism in Germany during the 1930s. In 1934, he lost control of his porcelain business, which he had established in 1884 and expanded with multiple factories by the 1930s. Philipp was forced to leave Germany in 1935 and sadly passed away in 1937.

Meanwhile, Philip Rosenthal, the son of Philipp Rosenthal, fought against Nazi Germany during the war. After the Allied victory, Philip returned to Germany and attempted to regain control of the family business. He succeeded in 1950 and played a pivotal role in the company's swift recovery. Philip hired renowned artists from various countries, including Denmark, Germany, France, and Finland, to contribute their artistic talents to the business.

During World War II, another notable individual named Robert "Rosie" Rosenthal served in the United States Army Air Corps. He enlisted immediately after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and became a legendary figure within the 100th Bomb Group (BG) and Eighth Air Force. Rosenthal initially flew AT-6 trainers in Ft Myers, Florida, before transferring to the 100th BG, stationed at Thorpe Abbotts, England. On his third combat mission over Munster, Germany, his aircraft, the Royal Flush, was the only plane out of 13 to return to base. For his bravery and perseverance, he received the Distinguished Service Cross and two Silver Stars. Rosenthal went on to complete an extraordinary 52 missions, the most of any 100th BG pilot, despite being shot down twice. After the war, he served as an assistant to the U.S. prosecutor at the Nuremberg trials.

Post-WWII changes to the company

The Rosenthal Kronach Bavaria branch was established in 1897 as Bauer, Rosenthal & Co. The company's founder, Philipp Rosenthal, was a Jew, and due to the tense political situation in Germany in the mid-1930s, he lost control of his business and was forced to leave the country. He died in 1937. During World War II, the factory continued its operations, and Philip Rosenthal, the son of the founder, fought against Nazi Germany.

After the war, Philip Rosenthal returned to Germany and tried to regain control of the company. He succeeded in 1950, and the company swiftly recovered under his management. Philip hired renowned artists such as Bjorn Wiinblad from Denmark, Hans Theo Baumann from Germany, Raymond Peynet from France, and Tapio Wirkkala from Finland. By 1979, as the company approached its 100th anniversary, it had approximately 8500 workers.

In the post-war period, the production of the Rosenthal Kronach Bavaria branch gradually reduced. By 1971, the factory was mainly producing delicate stoneware. The factory eventually closed down in 1998.

In 1997, Waterford Wedgwood plc took control of Rosenthal. In 2000, part of the group became Hutschenreuther. However, due to financial problems, Rosenthal was sold to the Italian company Sambonet in 2009 and is now traded as Rosenthal GmbH.

The Rosenthal Archive

The archive includes almost all of the company's product designs, from its foundation to the present day. It also features original pieces by artists such as Salvador Dalí, Andy Warhol, Wilhelm Wagenfeld, and Walter Gropius. The archive is a valuable resource for those interested in the history of porcelain and the artistic and cultural significance of the material.

The history of the Rosenthal company began in 1879 when Philipp Rosenthal moved his porcelain painting business from Werl in North Rhine-Westphalia to Selb in Bavaria. In 1884, Rosenthal began purchasing whiteware from Hutschenreuther, which was then hand-painted by his wife, Maria, and sold door-to-door. In 1891, Rosenthal established his first factory in the Bohemian town of Asch, where he began producing his own whiteware. Over the next few decades, Rosenthal expanded his business, acquiring several factories in Germany and taking over other porcelain manufacturers.

During the rise of German Nationalism in the 1930s, Rosenthal, who was Jewish, faced significant pressure, ultimately losing control of his company in 1935. He died in 1937, and his son, Philip Jr., joined the Scottish Air Force during World War II. After the war, Philip Jr. returned to Germany and successfully reclaimed control of the company in 1950. He modernised factories, identified new sources of supply, and re-established lost markets. He also continued his father's legacy of collaborating with renowned artists, including Bjorn Wiinblad, Hans Theo Baumann, Raymond Peynet, and Tapio Wirkkala.

In 1997, Rosenthal was acquired by Waterford Wedgwood, and in 2009, due to financial difficulties, it was bought by the Italian company Sambonet Paderno Industrie (Arcturus Group). Despite the changes in ownership, the Rosenthal company has continued to be a prominent manufacturer of porcelain products and other household goods, with its headquarters remaining in Selb.

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