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Dorothy Hafner for Rosenthal, “Flash” Vase Duo, Germany, 1980s
€399Bid from €360
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Berlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 20 sales
Product description
Dorothy Hafner for Rosenthal, “Flash” Vase Duo, Germany, 1980s
A rare and striking duo of Dorothy Hafner’s celebrated *“Flash”* vases for Rosenthal, dating from the spirited design revolution of the 1980s. Comprising one vase at 23 cm and one at 19 cm, this pair showcases two dynamic variations of Hafner’s iconic pattern — an exhilarating symphony of geometric forms and electric color, unmistakably infused with the ethos of the Memphis Group.
**Design Provenance**
The *“Flash”* series, introduced in 1982, stands as a landmark collaboration between the American ceramist and graphic artist Dorothy Hafner and the venerable German porcelain house Rosenthal. Hafner, then at the vanguard of postmodern design, brought to porcelain the riotous energy and playful irreverence that defined the Memphis aesthetic. Her work deftly marries Rosenthal’s precision craftsmanship with an exuberant, almost musical approach to form and ornament.
**About the Artist**
Dorothy Hafner (b. 1952) emerged as a distinctive voice in the world of late 20th-century design, first through ceramics and later through glass art. Her collaborations with Rosenthal and Tiffany & Co. elevated everyday objects into vibrant declarations of individuality. With over a dozen critically acclaimed collections, Hafner's designs encapsulate the zeitgeist of an era that sought to dismantle the monochrome seriousness of modernism in favor of joyous experimentation.
**Specifications**
- **Dimensions:** 1 vase at 23 cm (9 in) height; 1 vase at 19 cm (7.5 in) height
- **Materials:** Fine porcelain, transfer-printed with polychrome decoration
- **Marks:** Each piece marked “Rosenthal studio-linie, Germany”
- **Condition:** Excellent vintage condition; minimal signs of use consistent with age
- **Provenance:** Private European collection
**Why Collect This Duo?**
Not merely decorative, these vases are touchstones of a pivotal moment in design history. Their angular silhouettes and kaleidoscopic surfaces channel the spirit of a generation that traded rationalism for radical joy. Hafner’s *“Flash”* line rarely surfaces in such pristine condition, and this complementary pair, offering both scale and variation, constitutes a highly desirable acquisition for collectors of postmodern design, Memphis memorabilia, or Rosenthal rarities.
**Final Thought**
In a world newly rediscovering the exuberance of the 1980s, Dorothy Hafner’s *“Flash”* vases feel not like relics, but like heralds — celebrating a vision of design that is unapologetically vibrant, spirited, and beautifully alive.
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**Questions are welcome and will be answered promptly.**
**International buyers are welcome!**
*Please contact me in advance for precise delivery costs if you're located outside the EU. Any import duties or taxes are the buyer's responsibility.*
I strive to describe all items as accurately and honestly as possible, including detailed photos of the actual items for sale. However, please be aware that descriptions can be subjective. Vintage or pre-owned items often show signs of wear due to age, and while I make every effort to identify and note any significant flaws, some minor imperfections may be overlooked.
Naturally occurring manufacturer’s defects, slight surface scratching, or wear consistent with normal use may be present.
Any condition beyond typical vintage wear, such as chips, cracks, or other significant defects, will be clearly noted in the description and visible in the photos.
*If you are purchasing multiple items, please contact me before completing your purchase to confirm whether they can be shipped together in the same parcel.*
**Important Notice:** This transaction is between a private seller and a private buyer of secondhand items. **No refunds, returns, or warranties** are accepted or provided, in accordance with German law. By purchasing, you agree to these terms.
**Privacy Notice:** Buyer information will be used solely for the purpose of completing the transaction and arranging shipment.
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsMulti ColorMaterialPorcelainNumber of items2BrandRosenthalHeight23 cmWidth9 cmDepth9 cm
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Seller information
About this seller
Berlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 20 sales