Series Name: Winterreise (Winter Journey)
Form Design: Polygon — Designed by Tapio Wirkkala
Surface Decoration: Designed by Rut Bryk
Manufacturer: Rosenthal studio-linie, Germany
Production Era: Introduced in the 1970s
Overview:
The “Winterreise” (Winter Journey) series is a highly poetic and iconic masterpiece from Rosenthal’s premium “studio-linie”. This collection represents a legendary collaboration between Finland’s most celebrated design couple: the master sculptor and designer Tapio Wirkkala, and the renowned ceramic artist Rut Bryk.
Design Highlights:
The Form (“Polygon”): Created by Tapio Wirkkala, the “Polygon” form breaks away from traditional rounded tableware, featuring a clean, striking twelve-sided geometric structure. The sharp yet refined facets capture light beautifully, giving each piece a sculptural presence and a sophisticated modernist aesthetic.
The Pattern (“Winterreise”): Created by Rut Bryk, the decoration is a beautiful homage to the serene, nostalgic winter landscapes of the Nordics. Using delicate, fine grey lines, Bryk illustrates a quiet winter forest with stylized trees, rolling hills, and charming Nordic cabins. Subtle touches of muted blue and soft green on the rooftops bring a gentle warmth to the tranquil, snowy scene, transforming the porcelain into a canvas of visual poetry.
Collector’s Value:
Rosenthal’s “studio-linie” was dedicated to collaborating with the world’s avant-garde artists and designers, representing the pinnacle of ceramic craftsmanship. Combining uncompromising geometric forms with delicate, narrative illustration, “Winterreise” stands as a textbook example of mid-century Scandinavian modernism and remains highly sought after by design enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
