Have it delivered hassle-freeBuyer protectionAll Designer items curated by WhoppahDownload the Whoppah App – get alerts & sell with ease.
Have it delivered hassle-free
T. Wirkkala & D. Hafner × Rosenthal Century New Wave Postmodern Porcelain Bowl
€199Bid from €179
Buy with confidence
Shop & pay safely with Buyer ProtectionDesigner items curated by WhoppahWe only pay the seller once you have safely received the itemTrusted payment methods
Private seller: no right of withdrawal, but you get your money back if the item significantly differs from the description. Return policy
About this seller
Private sellerBerlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 33 sales
Product description
Tapio Wirkkala & Dorothy Hafner for Rosenthal Studio-Line – “Century: New Wave” Postmodern Porcelain Bowl, Germany, 1986
A striking sculptural porcelain bowl from Rosenthal Studio-Line's “Century: New Wave” series, combining a form attributed to Finnish design master Tapio Wirkkala with the expressive graphic decoration of American artist Dorothy Hafner.
Produced in Germany in 1986, this generously proportioned 30 cm bowl exemplifies the playful experimentation of 1980s postmodern design, bringing together architectural clarity, vibrant colour, and rhythmic abstraction.
Its dynamic silhouette and colourful decoration transform a functional porcelain bowl into a distinctive sculptural object.
Design & Form
The bowl features a broad, shallow form with a gently flaring silhouette, balancing generous proportions with elegant sculptural restraint.
Its 30 cm diameter provides an expansive surface for Dorothy Hafner's energetic decorative composition.
The crisp white porcelain is animated by sweeping lines, rhythmic dashes, and geometric accents in delicate pastel tones, contrasted with expressive black elements.
The decoration introduces movement across the surface, creating a visual rhythm reminiscent of abstract painting and the graphic experimentation of 1980s postmodernism.
The glossy glaze enhances the colours and emphasizes the relationship between the bowl's sculptural contours and its lively surface design.
The result is a compelling combination of modernist simplicity and postmodern exuberance.
About the Designers
Tapio Wirkkala (1915–1985) was one of Finland's most influential twentieth-century designers, celebrated for his work in glass, porcelain, wood, metal, and industrial design.
His collaborations with Rosenthal explored sculptural form, organic geometry, and the expressive possibilities of porcelain.
Dorothy Hafner (born 1952) is an American artist and designer known for her distinctive contributions to postmodern ceramics and decorative design.
Her work combines bold graphic compositions, playful geometry, and expressive colour. During the 1980s, she developed several influential porcelain designs for Rosenthal, bringing a fresh visual language to the company's collections.
The “Century: New Wave” series reflects the dialogue between refined sculptural form and Hafner's unmistakable graphic sensibility.
About Rosenthal Studio-Line
Established in 1961, Rosenthal Studio-Line became an important platform for collaborations with internationally recognised artists, architects, and designers.
During the 1980s, its collections embraced the expressive possibilities of postmodern design, incorporating vibrant colours, unconventional forms, and experimental surface decoration.
The “Century: New Wave” series belongs to this creative period, combining functional porcelain with contemporary artistic expression.
Details
Manufacturer: Rosenthal Studio-Line
Form design: Attributed to Tapio Wirkkala
Decoration: Dorothy Hafner
Series: Century: New Wave
Origin: Germany
Year: 1986
Material: Glazed porcelain
Colour: White with pastel and black decoration
Finish: Glossy
Style: Postmodern / Memphis-inspired
Markings: Rosenthal factory marks on the base
Dimensions
Height: 6.5 cm
Diameter: 30 cm
Condition
Very good vintage condition, with minimal traces of age and careful handling.
The glossy porcelain surface and colourful graphic decoration remain well preserved.
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form part of the condition description.
Collector's Perspective
The appeal of this bowl lies in the contrast between its restrained sculptural form and Dorothy Hafner's expressive surface decoration.
Its generous 30 cm diameter gives the graphic composition considerable visual presence, making it equally effective as a functional centerpiece or standalone decorative object.
The combination of pastel colours, bold black accents, and rhythmic geometric elements captures the playful sophistication of 1980s postmodern design.
An attractive addition to collections of Rosenthal Studio-Line, Dorothy Hafner, Tapio Wirkkala, Memphis-inspired ceramics, and twentieth-century decorative arts.
General Information
Please explore for more vintage porcelain, Rosenthal Studio-Line, and collectible twentieth-century design objects.
International buyers are welcome. Please contact in advance for shipping costs outside the EU. Import duties or taxes, if applicable, are the buyer's responsibility.
All items are photographed and described with care. Vintage pieces may show minor traces of age and handling; any significant flaws will always be clearly described and illustrated.
Combined shipping is available where safe packaging permits.
Private sale under German law: statutory liability for defects is excluded to the extent legally permitted.
Specifications
CategoryBowlsConditionExcellentColorsWhite, Blue, Orange, Purple, Green, Multi ColorMaterialCeramic, PorcelainNumber of items1StylePostmodernBrandRosenthalHeight6 cmWidth30 cmDepth30 cmSeller locationBerlin, GermanyDelivery optionsDelivery or pickup
Seller information
About this seller
Private sellerBerlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 33 sales