Rosenthal | 496

Rosenthal GmbH is a renowned German producer of porcelain and household items, founded in 1879 by Philipp Rosenthal in Selb, Bavaria. Originally a small porcelain painting workshop, the company quickly grew, establishing itself as a premier porcelain manufacturer. In 1908, Rosenthal acquired the Thomas porcelain factory, expanding production, and later took over Krister Porzellanmanufaktur in Wałbrzych in 1921.

Under the Nazi regime, Philipp Rosenthal, who was of Jewish heritage, was forced to withdraw from the company. Despite this, the brand managed to maintain its name and reputation, largely due to strategic interventions by the management. After World War II, Philipp’s son, Philip Rosenthal, returned to lead the company, championing modern design and transforming Rosenthal into a leader in contemporary product aesthetics. Rosenthal collaborated with prominent designers such as Raymond Loewy, Tapio Wirkkala, and Walter Gropius, whose iconic TAC tea set remains a hallmark of the brand.

In the late 20th century, Rosenthal became part of the Waterford Wedgwood group, and, after the latter’s financial collapse, Rosenthal filed for bankruptcy in 2009. The Italian Sambonet Paderno Industrie (Arcturus Group) acquired Rosenthal the same year, allowing it to continue as an independent brand. The company’s historical archive, encompassing over 15,000 items, is preserved at Porzellanikon, the State Museum of Porcelain in Hohenberg an der Eger. Today, Rosenthal GmbH continues to represent a fusion of art and function, offering luxury household items crafted with a legacy of quality and innovation.