Rosenthal Form E Vegetable or Salad Serving Bowl
Ceramic; functional decorative porcelain tableware • Designed by Raymond Loewy for Rosenthal Porcelain (Selb-Plossberg factory, Germany)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern; Streamline Moderne transition
Medium & Technique
Glazed white porcelain with transfer-printed and gilded decorative rim (likely 24k gold leaf or liquid gold paint accentuation)
Creation Period
circa 1950-1960
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8 to 10 inches in diameter; circular deep bowl format
Subject Description
A minimalist, circular serving bowl featuring 'Form E' silhouette designed by industrial designer Raymond Loewy. The interior is a clean white glaze, while the rim features an abstract geometric gold pattern consisting of vertical hatch marks within two concentric gold bands.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the porcelain body appears intact without visible chips or cracks
Estimated Market Value
$40.00 - $75.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$30.00 - $60.00 USD
Provenance History
Marked 'Rosenthal Selb-Plossberg Germany Form E Modell R Loewy'; likely part of a larger dinner service produced for the post-war international market
Art Historical Significance
Significant as a collaboration between Rosenthal and Raymond Loewy, the 'father of industrial design.' Form E represents the shift toward functional, elegant modernism in European ceramics after WWII.
Notable Features
Features the signature of Raymond Loewy on the backstamp; characteristic 'Form E' sleek profile with a recessed base
Condition Issues
Minor surface scratches consistent with use; slight rubbing or wear to the gold gilding on the rim edge
Conservation Recommendations
Hand wash only with mild detergent; avoid abrasive sponges and dishwashers to preserve the gold luster
Collector Notes
Rosenthal Selb-Plossberg Germany Form E Modell R Loewy 3286 20