Florida & Pompadour - Rosenthal

Name: Rosenthal " Florida & Pompadour"
 
Type: Sugar Bowl and Small plate
 
Year: 1930s to early 1950s
 
Set: Yes ( Small plate with the "Florida Pattern" and lidded bowl from the same maker but different patterns)
 
Mark: Rosenthal - Rosenthal Porzellan AG, Germany.
 
History: These two items are vintage porcelain pieces made by Rosenthal, a prestigious German porcelain manufacturer. Though from the same maker, they originate from two different series: the small covered sugar bowl comes from the Pompadour line, and the small dessert or side plate comes from the Florida line. Both items were manufactured in Bavaria, Germany, and bear distinct backstamps indicating origin and series.
 
 
The Pompadour sugar bowl features delicate rose blossoms and green foliage with gilt trim, set on an ornate Rococo-inspired form with scalloped edges and pedestal foot.
 
 
The Florida plate features a wildflower motif in pink, blue, and green with stylized curling vines and blossoms, also with a scalloped edge and a fine gold rim.
 
 
The Pompadour backstamp with “Selb-Germany” was used from the 1930s to early 1950s, indicating mid-century production.
 
 
The Florida plate is marked “Kronach-Germany” with the script Rosenthal mark and pattern name “Florida” alongside the number 45, likely denoting 1945, placing it immediately post-WWII.
 
 
The maker is Rosenthal Porzellan AG, Germany.
 
 
Founded in 1879, Rosenthal became renowned for high-quality fine porcelain and china. The Pompadour and Florida lines reflect two different artistic directions from the company: the Pompadour line embodies 18th-century elegance and floral neoclassicism, while the Florida line nods to mid-century romantic botanicals with simpler forms and colours.
 
 
The Pompadour lidded sugar bowl is valued at $30–$45 USD (due to minor wear, gilt rubbing, and faint age spotting). The Florida small plate is valued at $20–$30 USD.
 
 
Together, as a mixed display pair: $45–$65 USD, depending on collector demand and condition.
 
 
These two Rosenthal pieces, though stylistically distinct, offer insight into the range and adaptability of the company across decades. The Pompadour sugar bowl showcases Rococo revival design, with a lush pink rose motif on a creamy white ground and gilt-edged scalloping that reflects Rosenthal’s luxury aesthetic of the early 20th century. Its lid shows minor wear but overall remains intact and display-worthy.
 
 
In contrast, the Florida plate evokes a more naturalistic and cheerful post-war sensibility. The floral bouquet of convolvulus and morning glories is rendered in delicate hues, framed by a lightly fluted edge. The backstamp "Kronach-Germany" refers to the town in Bavaria where Rosenthal maintained one of its factories, and the style of script and glaze supports a production date of around the mid-1940s.
 
 
While not matching pieces, they would make a charming pairing in a cabinet display or as part of a broader Rosenthal collection. The Florida pattern in particular is less commonly found, offering additional interest to collectors of mid-century floral porcelain.
 
Flaws: None