Some designs take years, even decades, to become classics. Others have that quality from the very beginning. The "Linda" vase collection, which we introduced in 2025, is one of them. An extraordinary shape, a distinctive relief pattern, and a remarkable tactile quality give it a timeless presence.

The name of the collection couldn't be more fitting. After all, "Linda" was created by our product designer Linda Prüfer. In this interview, she shares how the collection came to life, the role flowers play in her life, and why good design often works best when it intentionally takes a step back.

Flowers Need the Right Stage

What are your favorite flowers?

Linda: I like different flowers at different times of the year. When the first crocuses bloom in spring, followed later by the cowslips, it simply makes me happy. But I love branches and wildflowers just as much. So I actually find it really difficult to name a favorite flower. I love anything that shows nature coming to life.

Which flowers work particularly well with the "Linda" collection?

Linda: Large individual blooms like amaryllis, peonies, or chrysanthemums work beautifully. You could add a few individual leaves or a touch of greenery. But even a few simple branches can look beautiful. The vase was intentionally designed to be understated, giving the flowers the stage they deserve.

What makes a good vase in your eyes?

Linda: There are two things that are important to me when it comes to vases. First, as I mentioned before, a vase should be understated. It should take a step back and let the flowers take center stage. At the same time, I also love it when a vase works without a bouquet and can stand on its own as a decorative object. That's exactly the balance I wanted to achieve with the "Linda" collection, and I think we succeeded.

From the Idea to the Finished Vase

The "Linda" vases stand out from classic vases with their unusual shape and fine relief pattern. How did the idea for this collection come about?

Linda: There wasn't one single source of inspiration. At first, it was simply an idea I kept coming back to. I knew we wanted to expand our vase collection, so I worked on it from time to time, gradually incorporating new ideas and details. When I first showed the designs to my manager at the time, the idea gradually evolved into a real development project.

What were some of the ideas you incorporated? Why does the collection look the way it does today?

Linda: I was drawn to the idea of creating something that feels familiar, yet has an unexpected element to it. The basic shape is square, but at the same time it feels almost round - like a river pebble smoothed by nature. This soft, harmonious shape is then contrasted by the fine grooved texture, which adds both visual and tactile appeal. I was also fascinated by the fact that we have the ability to give porcelain a satin finish at FÜRSTENBERG. It allowed us to reveal a side of the material that many people have never experienced before.

Were there any particular challenges during the development process?

Linda: Yes, especially the grooved texture. Together with our master modeler Jan Rücker, we had to find a solution that would allow us to produce the vase with all those fine details and still remove it from the mold after casting. You hardly notice technical challenges like these in the finished piece, but they're part of every product development process.

Over Ten Years at FÜRSTENBERG

What brought you to FÜRSTENBERG?

Linda: I trained as a state-certified glass artist in Zwiesel and went on to study product design, specializing in ceramics and glass, at Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design Halle. After graduating, I started thinking about what to do next. I considered working for myself, among other options. But then I saw an opening in product development at FÜRSTENBERG, so I applied. And I got the job. It was a leap into the unknown. And now I've been here for over ten years.

Who did you learn the most from in your first few years?

Linda: My studies focused on materials and form. Decorative design, which is now the main focus of my work, is something I learned here at FÜRSTENBERG, primarily from my colleague Mr. Muff. My manager at the time, Mr. Hofmann, and the entire team were incredibly supportive. Looking back, I'm very grateful for everything I had the chance to learn during that time.

What makes porcelain special to you?

Linda: Porcelain is something truly special to me. It's made from natural raw materials like kaolin, quartz, and feldspar and has a beauty all its own. I'm also fascinated by its contrasting qualities: with proper care, porcelain can last for generations. Yet a single moment of carelessness can be enough to break it. That duality is what makes the material so special to me. In a way, every intact piece of porcelain is a testament to the care it has received and the value placed on its beauty and the craftsmanship behind it.