Memphis-era decor of Debut Vase – Michael Boehm & Yves Galgon for Rosenthal, 1970s–1980s

Statement Rosenthal Studio-Line vase combining Michael Boehm’s wide, fan-like Debut form with Yves Galgon’s bold, Memphis-era decor in glossy enamel and metallic gold. The clear geometry of the body meets a dynamic, graphic pattern, giving the piece the feel of a three-dimensional artwork rather than a simple vessel.

• Dimensions: H 24 cm, W 21 cm, D 7 cm
• Material: Glazed porcelain
• Brand: Rosenthal
• Designer: Form by Michael Boehm; decor by Yves Galgon
• Color: White porcelain with multicolour and metallic gold graphic decor
• Condition: Very good to excellent vintage condition; no chips or cracks, slight rubbing to the gold on one side (see close-up), colours still vivid
• Era: ca. 1970s–1980s (vase dates back to 1991)
• Origin: Germany
  

Perfect as a highlight on a sideboard, bar cart or low cabinet: place it slightly off-centre next to a stack of art or fashion books and a simple candle or glass object so the gold and pattern can pop.

Yves Galgon (b. 1948) is a German-Spanish artist and decorator who became best known in the 1980s for vivid, graphic porcelain decors created for Rosenthal and Hutschenreuther - including airline editions produced for Lufthansa First Class. Trained in Hannover (Werkkunstschule, 1965–70) and Hamburg (Hochschule für Bildende Künste, 1970–77) before relocating to Spain, his porcelain work is prized for its energetic abstract linework, bold color, and postmodern pattern language on vases and serving pieces.

Michael Boehm (b. 1944) is considered one of Germany’s leading glass and product designers. After training at the glass school in Hadamar and studying free painting in Kassel, he worked as designer and product manager for Rosenthal from 1966 to 1980 before establishing his own studio and later teaching glass design at Burg Giebichenstein in Halle. His work, widely exhibited in Germany and abroad, is characterised by clear, precise forms and a strong sense of material, qualities that also define his porcelain designs for Rosenthal.

Rosenthal, founded in 1879 in Selb, Bavaria, is one of Germany’s most important porcelain manufacturers, recognised for combining industrial production with high design standards. With its Studio-Linie programme from the 1960s onwards, Rosenthal invited international artists and designers to create avant-garde forms and décors, making pieces like this set both functional objects and design collectibles.