Rosenthal Continental Birds of the World Cup and Saucer (Rainbow Lorikeet / Parrot Pattern)
Rosenthal · Kitchenware > Tea Cups & Saucers
Era / Decade
1950s-1960s based on the 'Rosenthal Germany' backstamp and the mid-century Continental series design.
Material
Fine Bone China or Hard-Paste Porcelain with hand-painted or high-quality transfer bird motif and 24k gold gilded rim.
Condition
Excellent. The glaze appears vibrant and smooth. Gold gilding shows minimal to no signs of wear or rubbing. No visible chips, cracks, or crazing from the provided angle.
Demand Level
Moderate. Fine china market is niche, but bird-specific motifs (ornithological art) maintain a steady base of collectors year-round.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
Low: $25 | Mid: $45 | High: $60 (per single set)
Estimated Retail Value
$65.00 - $85.00 (comparable to modern luxury German porcelain tea sets)
Comparable Sales
Recent individual Rosenthal Continental bird cups/saucers have sold between $35 and $55 on eBay. Full sets and rare bird variations can command higher prices.
Description
Exquisite vintage Rosenthal porcelain cup and saucer set from the coveted Continental 'Birds of the World' series. Features a highly detailed illustration of two colorful parrots (Rainbow Lorikeets) perched on a botanical branch with pink blossoms. The clean, modern white porcelain is accented with a delicate hand-painted gold rim. Perfect for ornithology enthusiasts or collectors of fine German porcelain.
Key Features
Highly collectible Rosenthal brand; desirable bird/nature motif; mid-century modern aesthetic; intact gold gilding; excellent cross-over appeal for bird watchers and china collectors.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. Featuring the authentic Rosenthal Germany shield mark on the underside of the cup. The crispness of the transfer/painting and the quality of the porcelain translucency are consistent with Rosenthal standards.
Flaws to Note
Ensure no hidden 'flea bites' on the rim or handle. Check for 'ping' sound when tapped to ensure no hairline fractures. Slight scuffing on the bottom unglazed ring is expected for its age.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay or Etsy. These platforms cater best to vintage collectors looking for specific patterns or replacement pieces. Replacements.com is an alternative for a quick but lower wholesale buyout.
Selling Tips
Use keywords like 'Rosenthal Continental', 'Bird Motif', 'Mid-Century Modern China', and 'German Porcelain'. Photograph the cup against a dark background to show porcelain translucency and backlight the backstamp for clarity. Ship with double-boxing and plenty of bubble wrap to prevent transit damage.