Dorothy Hafner “Flash” Vase – Large 23 cm Version – Rosenthal Studio-Line, Germany, 1980s
A highly collectible example of Postmodern design, this porcelain vase belongs to Dorothy Hafner’s iconic “Flash” series, created in 1982 for Rosenthal Studio-Line. Notably, this is the larger and more desirable 23 cm version, rather than the more commonly encountered 19 cm model.
The vase’s distinctive triangular form serves as a dynamic canvas for Hafner’s bold, multicoloured graphic composition—an energetic interplay of jagged lines, abstract motifs, and vibrant colour fields. The design captures the spirit of the early 1980s, when the Memphis movement revolutionized design by rejecting restraint in favour of expressive form, visual tension, and playful radicalism.
Design Context Hafner’s “Flash” series stands as one of the most recognizable manifestations of Memphis-inspired aesthetics in porcelain. While Rosenthal had long been associated with modernist clarity and Bauhaus-influenced restraint, this collaboration marked a decisive shift toward a more expressive and experimental design language.
The vase embodies this transition: a functional object transformed into a sculptural statement, where surface, colour, and geometry interact in a deliberately unconventional way.
About the Designer Dorothy Hafner (born 1952) is an American designer whose practice spans ceramics, glass, sculpture, and graphic design. Beginning her work in ceramics in 1973, she quickly gained international recognition, producing numerous tableware and object lines for prestigious manufacturers including Rosenthal and Tiffany & Co. Her work is widely published and frequently featured in major design literature, with the “Flash” series regarded as a defining icon of 1980s design.
Specifications Designer: Dorothy Hafner Manufacturer: Rosenthal Studio-Line Country: Germany Series: Flash Year: 1982 Material: Glazed porcelain with silkscreen transfer decoration Dimensions Height: approx. 23 cm Width: approx. 13 cm Depth: approx. 13 cm Marks Marked on the base: “Rosenthal studio-linie, Germany”. Hafner’s signature is integrated into the pattern. Condition Excellent vintage condition with minimal signs of use. The surface remains vibrant and well preserved, with only light, age-appropriate wear visible upon close inspection.
Collecting Note The “Flash” series is now firmly established as a piece of design history. Produced during the peak of Postmodern experimentation and no longer in production, these vases are increasingly sought after by collectors of Memphis-inspired design and Rosenthal Studio-Line objects. The larger 23 cm version, in particular, is notably less common on the market.
A sculptural, expressive object that functions equally as design artifact and visual statement.
GENERAL INFORMATION Explore my profile for more retro vases, vintage fashion, and design pieces! International buyers welcome – please contact me in advance for exact shipping outside the EU. Customs duties or taxes, if applicable, are the buyer’s responsibility. All items are photographed and described with care. Please expect normal signs of age on vintage objects. Any significant flaws are clearly shown and stated.