Vintage Rosenthal Ivory “Bristol” Teacup & Saucer Set
Made in Germany | Circa 1930s
Bring timeless European elegance to your table with this beautiful vintage Rosenthal Ivory “Bristol” teacup and saucer set. Crafted in Germany during the 1930s, this finely made porcelain set showcases the exceptional quality and refined design that made Rosenthal one of the world’s most respected porcelain manufacturers.
The cup features a graceful pedestal form with a richly gilded scroll handle and delicate gold trim along the rim and foot. A sophisticated green laurel garland pattern accented with gold winds around both the teacup and matching saucer, creating a classic Art Deco-era look that feels both refined and inviting. The warm ivory porcelain body gives the set a soft, elegant glow that beautifully complements the gold detailing. The base of the cup and edge of the saucer are finished with a charming, delicate hobnail pattern which gives the set a textured look and feel.
The underside bears the distinctive Rosenthal Ivory Germany mark. Rosenthal’s Ivory line was produced specifically for export to the American market beginning in the late 1920s, and pieces marked “Germany” were intended to comply with U.S. import regulations of the period. During the years between World War I and World War II, Rosenthal porcelain was distributed in the United States through the Rosenthal China Corporation of New York, making these pieces an important part of the company’s international history.
The Bristol pattern was produced during what many collectors consider Rosenthal’s golden pre-war era—a period of exceptional craftsmanship that was soon overshadowed by the upheaval of World War II. During the Nazi regime, founder Philipp Rosenthal was forced from the company he had built because of his Jewish ancestry, and control of the business was taken from the Rosenthal family. Following his death in 1937, the company remained under Nazi-influenced management throughout the war years. After the war, Philipp’s son, Philip Rosenthal Jr., returned to Germany and spent several years fighting to reclaim the family enterprise. His efforts were successful in 1950, when he regained control of Rosenthal and launched a remarkable postwar revival that would reestablish the company as one of the world’s most respected names in porcelain and design.
The hallmark on this set is consistent with Rosenthal’s crown-and-script trademarks used during the early twentieth century and into the 1930s. Collectors often associate the Rosenthal Ivory line with the company’s pre-war production, prized for its fine porcelain body, elegant forms, and enduring craftsmanship.
Features
- Authentic vintage Rosenthal Ivory porcelain
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Pattern: Bristol
- Made in Germany, circa 1930s
- Elegant ivory-colored porcelain body
- Green laurel leaf border with gold accents
- Richly gilded decorative handle
- Gold-trimmed rim and foot with hobnail accents
- Matching teacup and saucer
- Rosenthal Ivory Germany backstamp
Condition
Very good vintage condition with light, age-appropriate wear consistent with nearly a century of careful use. Gold trim remains bright and attractive, and the pattern displays beautifully. Please review photos for details.
Whether displayed in a china cabinet, used for afternoon tea, or added to a Rosenthal collection, this charming Bristol teacup and saucer set is a wonderful example of pre-war German porcelain design and craftsmanship. Its elegant proportions, classic laurel motif, and historic Rosenthal heritage make it a piece that is both beautiful and collectible.
