Rosenthal - Claus Josef Riedel - Vase - Op-Art Relief 3578/22 - Biscuit porcelain - Minimalist MCM WGP

Rosenthal Porcelain Vase – Design by Claus Josef Riedel, Model No. 3578/22
Germany, 1970s–1980s

A refined mid-century modern bisque porcelain vase designed by Claus Josef Riedel for Rosenthal, one of Germany’s most respected porcelain manufacturers. Model number 3578/22, this elegant piece stands 23.5 cm tall and demonstrates the precision and modernist clarity for which both Riedel and Rosenthal were known.

The vase features an elongated oval shape with a finely sculpted relief motif resembling rising grass blades. Its matte white exterior contrasts beautifully with the glossy glazed interior, emphasizing the tactile balance between surface and form. The design reflects the clean modernism of postwar German porcelain—where sculptural simplicity and functional grace meet.

Designer: Claus Josef Riedel
Manufacturer: Rosenthal, Germany
Model: 3578/22
Design period: 1970s–1980s
Material: Fine white porcelain, matte exterior / glossy interior
Color: White
Dimensions: Height 23.5 cm, Width 14.5 cm, Depth 7 cm

Condition:
Excellent vintage condition with minimal signs of age. No chips, cracks, or restorations. The surface retains its original matte finish and crisp definition of relief.

About the Designer:
Claus Josef Riedel (1925–2004) was an Austrian designer and glassmaker, internationally celebrated for revolutionizing modern glassware design through his scientific approach to form and function. As the head of the Riedel Glassworks in Kufstein, he introduced the concept of shaping glasses to enhance the character of specific wines—a philosophy that permanently transformed table culture. Earlier in his career, Riedel collaborated with Rosenthal, transferring his deep understanding of proportion, light, and tactile harmony to porcelain. His work is characterized by elegant minimalism and a precise sculptural sensibility that elevates utility to art.

About the Manufacturer:
Founded in 1879 in Selb, Bavaria, Rosenthal quickly established itself as one of Europe’s leading porcelain manufacturers. The company became renowned for its commitment to artistic collaboration, working with some of the 20th century’s most important designers and artists, including Tapio Wirkkala, Bjørn Wiinblad, Martin Freyer, and Raymond Loewy. Through its Studio-Linie series, launched in the 1960s, Rosenthal redefined the boundaries between art and functional design. Pieces like this Riedel vase embody the brand’s dedication to timeless modernism and exceptional craftsmanship.

Collectible Significance:
This vase represents the intersection of two icons of European design—Riedel’s visionary modernism and Rosenthal’s tradition of innovation. Elegant and understated, it stands as both a functional vessel and a sculptural artwork, ideal for collectors of mid-century German porcelain.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

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I strive to describe all items as accurately and honestly as possible, including detailed photos of the actual items for sale. Vintage or pre-owned items may show traces of age or small imperfections consistent with use and manufacturing. Any condition beyond typical vintage wear, such as chips, cracks, or other significant defects, will be clearly noted in the description and visible in the photos.

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