Rosenthal Studio-Line “Tree of Life” Vase Duo by Rosemonde Nairac on Forms by Tapio Wirkkala – Black & White Bisque Porcelain, Germany, 1970s
A rare and visually compelling pairing from Rosenthal Studio-Line's celebrated Tree of Life series, bringing together two of the most desirable colour variants: white bisque porcelain and Rosenthal's iconic black Porcelaine Noire.
Designed by British artist Rosemonde Nairac and executed on sculptural forms originally created by Tapio Wirkkala, these vases exemplify Rosenthal's unique ability to merge artistic decoration, architectural form, and technical mastery into objects that transcend mere functionality.
The pair presents a striking dialogue between light and darkness, presence and absence, surface and structure. Displayed together, the vases become almost sculptural counterparts—united by the same relief decoration yet transformed by their contrasting colour palettes.
Design & Form
The Tree of Life decoration is among Rosemonde Nairac's most celebrated contributions to Rosenthal Studio-Line. Rather than depicting nature literally, Nairac distilled botanical forms into a rhythmic relief of vertical structures, abstract foliage, and organic patterning.
The result occupies a fascinating territory between natural growth and geometric order, reflecting the wider design interests of the 1970s, when Op Art, organic modernism, and sculptural ceramics increasingly overlapped.
The white vase emphasizes the purity of the relief through subtle shadow and light, while the black example heightens the dramatic depth of the pattern, creating a richer optical effect across its matte surface.
Details
Designer (Decoration): Rosemonde Nairac
Form Designer: Tapio Wirkkala
Manufacturer: Rosenthal Studio-Line
Origin: Germany
Period: 1970s
Material: Bisque porcelain
Finish: Matte, unglazed surface
Colours:
White
Black (Porcelaine Noire)
Dimensions
White Vase:
Height: 22 cm
Black Vase:
Height: 26 cm
Both examples retain their Rosenthal Studio-Line factory marks.
Condition
Excellent vintage condition. No chips, cracks, or restorations observed. The relief decoration remains crisp and well defined, and both bisque surfaces are beautifully preserved with only minimal traces of age consistent with careful ownership.
About Rosemonde Nairac
Rosemonde Nairac was one of Rosenthal Studio-Line's most distinctive artistic collaborators. Known for her refined relief decorations and graphic sensibility, she brought a unique balance of organic imagery and modern abstraction to porcelain design. Her work is represented in important museum collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
About Tapio Wirkkala
Tapio Wirkkala (1915–1985) ranks among the most influential Scandinavian designers of the twentieth century. His long collaboration with Rosenthal produced some of the company's most iconic forms, characterised by their sculptural clarity, architectural restraint, and timeless elegance.
Design Context
The 1970s marked one of the most innovative periods in Rosenthal Studio-Line's history. Under Philip Rosenthal's direction, artists and designers were encouraged to blur the boundaries between sculpture, decorative arts, and functional design.
The Tree of Life series perfectly embodies this philosophy. Rather than serving merely as vessels, these objects operate as sculptural studies in texture, symbolism, and perception.
Collector's Perspective
Finding examples of the Tree of Life series is increasingly difficult; finding complementary black and white examples together is considerably rarer. Their shared decoration and contrasting surfaces create a museum-quality pairing that appeals equally to collectors of Rosenthal Studio-Line, Scandinavian modernism, Op Art-inspired ceramics, and twentieth-century design.
A sophisticated dialogue between nature and geometry, darkness and light—two of Rosenthal Studio-Line's most poetic sculptural porcelain objects presented together.
General Information
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All items are photographed and described with care. Vintage pieces may show minimal traces of age; any significant flaws will be clearly mentioned.