Out of Africa Collectors Box No. 4 by Yang for Rosenthal Studio-Line, Germany, 1980s

Details

Description

A distinctive porcelain lidded box designed by Yang for Rosenthal Studio-Line, titled “Out of Africa.” The fourth motif in the … Read more A distinctive porcelain lidded box designed by Yang for Rosenthal Studio-Line, titled “Out of Africa.” The fourth motif in the Reiseimpressionen (Travel Impressions) collector’s series, the piece combines bold geometric patterns with an expressive black and ochre-gold palette, reflecting the graphic experimentation and cultural influences of late twentieth-century postmodern design.

Designer: Yang

Manufacturer: Rosenthal Studio-Line

Collection: Reiseimpressionen (Travel Impressions)

Title: Out of Africa

Series Number: 4

Country of Manufacture: Germany

Period: c. 1980s–1990s

Material: Porcelain

Colours: Black, ochre-gold, white

Finish: Glossy

Condition: Excellent vintage condition, with no chips, cracks or restorations observed. Factory-marked “2. Wahl” (second quality).

About the Designer and Manufacturer

The designer identified as Yang created a strikingly abstract interpretation of the African continent for Rosenthal’s Reiseimpressionen collection. Rather than depicting recognisable landscapes or architecture, the design employs geometric symbols, rhythmic repetition and contrasting colours to evoke a broader visual impression.

Founded in 1879, Rosenthal established an international reputation for combining porcelain craftsmanship with innovative design. Its Studio-Line, introduced in 1961, became particularly influential through collaborations with contemporary artists and designers, expanding the possibilities of porcelain beyond traditional tableware.

Design and Historical Context

The Reiseimpressionen series explores international destinations through individual artistic interpretations. In “Out of Africa,” Yang adopts a geometric visual language that distinguishes the piece from the more illustrative designs within the collection.

The lid features a prominent concentric circular motif surrounded by angular symbols and dotted patterns, while rhythmic bands of black and ochre-gold decoration extend around the cylindrical body. The composition draws on visual references to African decorative traditions, interpreted through the abstraction, repetition and graphic reduction characteristic of 1980s and 1990s postmodern design.

The underside bears the Rosenthal factory inscription identifying the series, title and designer, together with the “2. Wahl” designation.

Style: Postmodern; Geometric Design

Materials: Porcelain

Place of Origin: Germany

Condition: Excellent, factory second quality (2. Wahl)

An appealing collector’s object for admirers of Rosenthal Studio-Line, postmodern graphic design and artist-designed porcelain. Its restrained colour palette and bold geometric composition make it particularly effective as a standalone decorative object or displayed alongside other editions from the Reiseimpressionen collection. This piece has an attribution mark,
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