Rosenthal Crystal Glasses Linear hotsell Smoke Georg Butler Jensen Vintage Set of 4

This set of white wine glasses are the epitome of mid-century chic. The simple column of crystal gives the paradoxical impression of gossamer lightness within an architectural form. The column rests on a translucent foot that seems comprised of condensed smoke, an effect that is enhanced by the way the clear and smoked glass merge at the top of the stem so that the color fades away rather than having a sharp delineation. The slender, straight stem has a fluid quality that is emphasized at the base which flares out into the foot, like a viscous liquid pouring out and pooling on a surface. The sides of the square foot act as a visual cessation of movement as though honey were flowing down into an invisible frame.

The pieces are extremely high quality, entirely formed of blown crystal that has a remarkable clarity which adds to the illusion of weightlessness. The crystal rings beautifully when tapped and the surface is finely polished to a gleaming perfection that makes handling these a wonderfully tactile experience. The glass of the foot particularly demonstrates the craft that went into creating the pieces. The foot was blown rather than molded, as is evident in the subtle concentric ripples that give beautiful texture to the bottom surface. After being spun into a disc, the sides were cut flat and beveled to give a beautifully finished edge. This transition from round forms to straight lines creates a sophisticated contrast of movement and shape. Despite the ethereal appearance of the glasses, they actually have a nice heft. The thicker glass at the base of the bowl is balanced against the weight of the foot, the weight and balance making these feel lovely when held in the hand.

These were designed by Georg Butler Jensen in 1957 for Rosenthal, they are from the Berlin collection in the linear smoke pattern. The initial design was for glasses with a round foot, later released in this square footed form which was in production from 1963 until 1982.

Approximate Measurements:

Height: 5 7/8”

Diameter of bowl: 1 15/16”

Width of the foot: 2 hotsell 3/16”

Condition: These are in good vintage condition with minor surface wear from use. Three of the glasses do have a chip at one corner of the foot which are fairly unobtrusive.

We do have more of these, please let us know if you are interested in additional pieces.