Have it delivered hassle-freeBuyer protectionAll Designer items curated by WhoppahDownload the Whoppah App – get alerts & sell with ease.
Dorothy Hafner for Rosenthal, “Flash” Vase Duo, Germany, 1980s
€399Bid from €360
Buy with confidence
Shop & pay safely with our Buyer ProtectionDesigner items curated by WhoppahWe only pay the seller once you have safely received the itemTrusted payment methods
About this seller
Private sellerBerlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 23 sales
Product description
Rosenthal Studio-Line Vase & Candle Holder – Dorothy Hafner “Flash” Grey – Postmodern Porcelain Duo – Germany, 1980s
Description
Striking postmodern porcelain duo consisting of a sculptural vase and a candle holder from the celebrated “Flash” series by Dorothy Hafner, produced by Rosenthal Studio-Line in Germany during the 1980s.
Both pieces feature Hafner’s distinctive grey “Flash” ground with spontaneous graphic decoration in pastel tones – turquoise, pink, lavender and black brush-like lines applied over a speckled grey porcelain surface. The energetic abstract motifs evoke the visual language of 1980s Memphis design and postmodern graphic art, where bold gestures and playful compositions replaced the strict minimalism of earlier modernism.
The vase and candle holder share Hafner’s characteristic sculptural geometry: asymmetrical planes, sharp angles, and slightly twisted profiles that create a dynamic architectural presence even when the pieces stand still. Together they form a beautifully balanced ensemble between object, sculpture, and functional design.
Designer
Dorothy Hafner (born 1952) is one of the most influential designers associated with Rosenthal Studio-Line in the late 20th century. Born in Germany, she studied ceramics and design before establishing herself internationally through her bold and highly recognizable porcelain designs.
Hafner’s work for Rosenthal during the 1980s introduced a fresh visual vocabulary to porcelain design. Influenced by Pop Art, graphic design, and the emerging postmodern movement, her objects combine expressive hand-drawn elements with sculptural forms. Many of her designs from this period are now considered icons of 1980s European postmodern design.
Her works were produced by Rosenthal alongside other major designers such as Tapio Wirkkala, Bjørn Wiinblad, and Victor Vasarely, and are today sought after by collectors of postmodern design and Memphis-era decorative arts.
Manufacturer
Founded in 1879, Rosenthal became one of Germany’s most important porcelain manufacturers. The Studio-Line, introduced in the 1960s under the artistic direction of Philip Rosenthal, invited internationally renowned designers and artists to experiment with contemporary forms and decoration.
This collaboration transformed Rosenthal into one of the leading platforms for avant-garde porcelain design, bridging industrial production with artistic innovation.
Objects
Vase
Height: 24 cm
Width: approx. 13 cm
Depth: approx. 13 cm
Candle Holder
Height: 20 cm
Width: approx. 8 cm
Depth: approx. 5 cm
Candle opening: approx. 5.5 cm
Material: Porcelain
Decoration: Flash grey ground with polychrome graphic motifs
Manufacturer: Rosenthal Studio-Line
Designer: Dorothy Hafner
Country: Germany
Era: 1980s
Condition
Very good vintage condition with minimal signs of age.
This sculptural duo represents a beautiful example of postmodern porcelain design, ideal for collectors of Rosenthal Studio-Line, Memphis-era objects, and late 20th-century decorative arts.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Please explore our profile for more vintage vases!
International buyers: import duties or taxes, if applicable, are the buyer’s responsibility.
All items are photographed and described with care. Vintage pieces may show minimal traces of age; any significant flaws will be clearly mentioned.
Private sale under law: no returns, refunds, or warranties.
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsMulti ColorMaterialPorcelainNumber of items2BrandRosenthalHeight23 cmWidth9 cmDepth9 cm
Discover more
Seller information
About this seller
Private sellerBerlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 23 sales