photo: rosenthalusa.com

Rosenthal’s Studio Line is celebrating 5 decades of innovative contemporary design, and have announced a limited edition collection of vases to commemorate the anniversary. The collection includes only 50 vase examples from over the 50 years of designs by a vast selection of artists, designers and architects. Rosenthal has worked with approximately 1000 creatives, couturiers, and prominent people during it’s history, according to their website. On the selection process for the anniversary collection (which I imagine to be a very difficult task) CEO Andrea Vianello has this to say:

“Considering our rich design history over the last
50 years, limiting this collection to 50 vases
was a delightful challenge. Each style we have
included is outstanding on its own, uniting
form and function with the diversity and
innovative flair for which the Studio-Line
is known”

Ura by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal, 1961

Format, by Christophe de la Fontaine for Rosenthal, 2011

Beginning in 1961 with Ura by Tapio Wirkkala and ending with Format, a 2011 design by Christophe de la Fontaine, Rosenthal dug deep into its archives and revived some classics for this special edition. Some other pieces have remained in the collection throughout, since their original design year. The 50 vases, although each representing a distinct era of design, all appear “current” which speaks to the classic and timeless nature of the visionary designers. For instance, Arkadia, 1967 by Hans Theo Baumanncan with its textured surface and organic shape, could easily brunch with the asymmetrical, similarly textured surfaces of Papyrus, 2010 by Vittorio Passaro.

Arkadia by Hans Theo Baumann for Rosenthal, 1967

Purchasing one of these vases is a great way to own a piece of design history for a relatively small investment. Granted, some of these vases are in the $900/$1000 range, others start under $100. If you’re an admirer of Marcel Wanders, Jasper Morrision, Patricia Urquoila, Aldo Rossi, Ron Arad among many others, here’s an opportunity to aquire one of their designs as a treasured home or office accessory.

Contact our showroom for more details at 250-384-2554, or email info@gabrielross.com.
Visit Rosenthal’s website, here.

 

Marcel Wanders, born in the Netherlands, has become famous for his fabulous creations in design.  One of my favourite pieces is the Skygarden Suspension Lamp.  It looks like a boring, plain, semi-spherical lamp from a distance, but if you have a chance – look up inside!

Inspired by an antique plaster ceiling in a former home, Wanders captured the essence of classical plaster design inside a modern, sleek exterior.

The Skygarden comes in two sizes; the S1 (w60cm  x h30cm), or the S2 (w90cm  x h45cm).  It is also available in 4 colours: Rust, Gold, White and Black.

Marcel designed the lamp for Flos, who still carries the lamp today.

I have read so many comments online regarding, Marcel Wanders Zeppelin suspension lamp designed in 2005 which are incredibly negative. Why all the hate? This piece should be appreciated for it’s unique transparent texture and amazing diffused light. The transparent polymethylmethacrylate “candles” & faceted crystal globe provide a “sparkle effect” and play of light and shadow that I think is amazing.

So, my opinion is to keep an open mind – don’t be scared of creepy crawly things they may have inspired and influenced a designer to create something seriously uber interesting.