Rosenthal Studio-Line “Owl” Vase by Wolf Karnagel (1960er) – Porcelaine Noire Modernism A striking and sculptural vase by Wolf Karnagel for Rosenthal Studio-Line, designed in the 1960s and executed in Rosenthal’s innovative *Porcelaine Noire* — a patented black porcelain body developed to achieve a depth of colour and tactile richness impossible with conventional glazes. The material allowed Rosenthal to produce jet-black porcelain with a velvety, light-absorbing surface that became iconic throughout their avant-garde period. This model is often referred to as the Eule / Owl vase, as Karnagel abstracted the form of an owl into a sharply folded, architectural silhouette. The gently indented central ridge evokes the line of a beak or sternum, while the wide, curved shoulders suggest the roundness of wings. It’s pure 1960s modernism — graphic, intelligent, and wonderfully enigmatic. Designer: Wolf Karnagel Wolf Karnagel (b. 1939) belongs to the generation of German designers who helped redefine Rosenthal as an international design laboratory. Trained as a sculptor, he worked closely with Rosenthal throughout the Studio-Line period, creating works that sit between functional object and miniature architecture. His pieces are held in significant private and institutional collections, admired for their refined proportions and sculptural clarity. This specific piece is especially desirable thanks to its dual-surface finish: * The front displays a silky matte Porcelaine Noire façade with a crisp central fold * The back is a high-gloss black, catching the light like polished obsidian This contrast — matte vs. glossy — is characteristic of Karnagel’s most successful works, highlighting the owl-like geometry while giving the vase a sophisticated, almost couture-like finish. The interior is fully glazed, making the vase suitable for flowers (many Studio-Line pieces were left unglazed inside). The **Rosenthal Studio-Line stamp** is sharp and clean. Condition is excellent: no chips, cracks, or notable surface marks — particularly impressive for black porcelain, which normally reveals every micro-scratch. Measurements * Height: 15 cm * Width: 14.5 cm * Depth: 8 cm A perfect piece for collectors of: * Rosenthal Studio-Line * German postwar modernism * Sculptural ceramics * Porcelaine Noire (highly collectable and increasingly rare) * Minimalist and architectural decorative arts --- Please check our profile for more vintage vases! Shipping & Terms International shipping available with secure, professional packaging. Import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility. Private sale under German law: no returns or warranties.