Rosenthal

Rosenthal's commitment to innovative design and superior craftsmanship earned the company a distinctive reputation. A significant testament to this was the establishment of an in-house art department in 1910, a privilege traditionally reserved for royal factories. This bold move underscored the high standing and respect commanded by the Rosenthal brand and demonstrated the company's dedication to artistic excellence.

Maria is not just a name, but a symbol of one of the most successful dinnerware designs in history.

The year was 1916, and this tale of porcelain begins with an extraordinary love story. Privy Counsellor Philipp Rosenthal was so enamored with his wife Maria, whom he wed in 1916, that he decided to honor her in a unique way. He named a porcelain service after her, capturing the depth of his affection and immortalizing their bond. 

Little did he know, this heartfelt gesture would manifest itself into a phenomenon that would transcend time and trends. This dinnerware, lovingly named Maria, quickly captivated the hearts of consumers, eventually becoming a bestseller sold by the millions. It's a testament to the timeless charm of the design, and a testament to a love so profound, it created one of the most iconic dinnerware designs ever.

As Rosenthal's portfolio of exquisite products expanded, so did its vision. The 1950s saw the development of dedicated Rosenthal sales departments, setting the stage for the debut of the first Rosenthal Studio House in 1960 in Nuremberg. These Studio Houses, embodying the perfect blend of elegance and modernity, offered a unique environment to present the brand's innovative designs and formed a critical component of Rosenthal's distribution network.

Despite facing challenging times during the structural crisis in the porcelain industry in the 1980s, Rosenthal demonstrated resilience and foresight. Consolidating production into two locations in Upper Franconia, and investing approximately EUR 30 million into automated production facilities between 1998 and 2000, Rosenthal emerged with the world's most advanced porcelain production facilities. Today, manufacturing occurs at the Rosenthal am Rothbühl factory in Selb and the Thomas am Kulm factory in Speichersdorf, both sites a testament to Rosenthal's dedication to excellence and tradition.

Rosenthal's collaboration with iconic brands has further elevated its standing in the luxury goods industry. Its partnership with the Milan fashion house, Versace, initiated in 1992 under the leadership of Gianni Versace, marked a pivotal turning point. Donatella Versace, as the Creative Director, has since extended the Versace lines and provided a fresh interpretation of Rosenthal meets Versace designs, keeping them contemporary and appealing for the 21st-century audience.

In 2015, Rosenthal launched its own furniture collection, working with renowned designers to create luxurious, high-quality pieces. This marked a return to Rosenthal's roots - the belief in international collaboration to foster innovation - but also presented a forward-looking vision. 

Through all its years, Rosenthal GmbH has stayed true to its core tenets: exceptional design, functionality, and consistent innovation. Even as the company celebrated its 140th anniversary in 2019, it continues to craft 'Made in Germany' products that embody the spirit of tradition, quality, and avant-garde design.