Skip to main content

Tapio Wirkkala Lighting

Finnish, 1915-1985

Along with architect Alvar Aalto, the designer Tapio Wirkkala was Finland’s leading contributor to the Scandinavian interpretation of modernism in the mid-20th century. Prolific and innovative, Wirkkala excelled in a wide range of fields, including glass, furniture, porcelain, jewelry and tableware. The hallmark of his talent was an ability to impart a craft aesthetic based on natural forms — leaves, ice, bubbles, birds — to industrially produced designs.

A native of Helsinki, Wirkkala studied at the national School of Applied Arts and took up a career in graphic design. After serving in the Finnish army during World War II, he joined the glassmaking firm Iittala, an association that would continue to the end of his life. Wirkkala learned every aspect of glassmaking in keeping with his belief that an artist-designer should be involved in all stages of production. His best-known works for Iittala are vases and drinking vessels that resemble either carved ice or icicles. In 1956, Wirkkala began a long relationship with the porcelain maker Rosenthal, for whom he designed elegant table pieces, such as the Finlandia coffee service and the biomorphic Pollo vases. 

House Beautiful magazine declared Wirkkala’s Leaf platter the “most beautiful object” of 1951. (The acclaim led to his brief employment stint with industrial designer Raymond Loewy in New York.) That platter was one of the first designs Wirkkala made using laminated sheets of plywood sanded to a smooth surface that resembles an abstract leaf. It would go on to become a motif in many Wirkkala furniture pieces — most notably in inlaid coffee tables for Asko — and in a sense these are the works most emblematic of his personal aesthetic.

Wirkkala was a traditionalist in many ways, but he had a modernist’s practical approach, incorporating his leaf-like spirals into simple, functional objects. That is the core attraction of Wirkkala’s designs: They stand out with a striking, sculptural energy yet blend in as part of a warm and comfortable decor.

Find vintage Tapio Wirkkala furniture on 1stDibs.

26
4
to
18
10
30
30
30
20
8
26
4
23
1
11
10
1
Height
to
Width
to
26
8
5
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
27
21
8
6
4
30
28
1
1
1
202
1,430
1,328
1,251
1,081
Creator: Tapio Wirkkala
Tapio Wirkkala Opaline & Brass Ceiling Fixture, Sweden 1960's
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in New York, NY
Large pendant fixture in enameled steel and brass, original “toupie” opaline shades. The drop can be adjusted by shortening or lengthening the wi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Lighting

Materials

Cut Steel, Brass, Aluminum

Tapio Wirkkala Floor Lamp Model K10-47
By Idman Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Helsinki, FI
One of the corner stones of Tapio Wirkkala´s different works. This sentimental piece is one of the original adjustable lamps with angular opal light bulbs t...
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass

Tapio Wirkkala Floor Lamp Model K10-47
By Tapio Wirkkala, Idman Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
One of the corner stones of Tapio Wirkkala´s different works. This sentimental piece is one of the original adjustable lamps with angular opal light bulbs t...
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass

Tapio Wirkkala Rare Ceiling Lamp by Idman Oy Finland 1959-1961
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Espoo, FI
Rare ceiling lamp by Tapio Wirkkala with perforated brass shade and satin lacquered metal body, Designed and manufactured between 1959 and 1961 The model is from a limited edition ...
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pendant by Tapio Wirkkala for Idman Oy, 1960s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Idman Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
Pendant by Tapio Wirkkala for Idmann Oy, 1960s. Classic Wirkkala glass bulbs, painted metal and brass. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age and use. Tapio Veli ...
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass

Tapio Wirkkala Adjustable Table Lamp K11-16 For Idman
By Tapio Wirkkala, Idman
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful table lamp by the renowned and internationally awarded Tapio Wirkkala. This lamp is adjustable in all directions which gives it the flexibility to suit different spaces a...
Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass

Tapio Wirkkala Adjustable Floor Lamp Model K10-11 by Idman
By Tapio Wirkkala, Idman
Located in Helsinki, FI
This example of the iconic Tapio Wirkkala floor lamp manufactured and stamped by Idman, retains all original parts and is in beautiful condition. The lamp has been rewired, brass par...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of Midcentury Brass Floor Lamps by Tapio Wirkkala for Idman Oy
By Tapio Wirkkala, Idman Oy
Located in Stockholm, SE
Amazing pair of floor lamps by Tapio Wirkkala, made from brass and black lacquered metal. Beautiful decorative brass details and clever mechanism for shifting the height and angle of...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass

Tapio Wirkkala "K10-47" Floor Lamp for Idman Oy, Finland 1960s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Idman Oy
Located in Utrecht, NL
Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) was a multitalented design genius, widely considered a leading figure of modern Finnish industrial art. This lamp model is one of the cornerstones of Tapio Wirkkala´s repertoire; this groundbreaking piece is one of the original adjustable lamps with angular opal light...
Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass

Tapio Wirkkala 'Crane' Articulating Floor Lamp in White for Innolux Oy
By Tapio Wirkkala, Innolux Oy
Located in Glendale, CA
Tapio Wirkkala 'Crane' Articulating Floor Lamp in White for Innolux Oy. Originally produced as the in the 1950s as the Model #K-10-11 by Idman, this newly authorized re-edition of the iconic lamp is made by Innolux Oy of Finland with the same scrupulous attention to detail, materials and craftsmanship as the original. Executed in polished brass and white or black painted shade. A highly adjustable lamp, the shade rotates up and down while the arm upon which it is mounted can be raised , lowered, rotated, moved forward and backwards as well as up and down the fixed brass pole, changing the height and depth dimensions accordingly. Note: height with shade positioned as pictured is 53 inches, can extend up to 61 inches tall. Width as pictured is 28 inches, can extend to a max of 36 inches wide. Base diameter is 7.5 inches. Shade diameter max 6.75 inches. Shade height is 12 inches. Price is per item. 4 black and 2 white in stock. Available in unlimited quantities. Out of stock lead time 10-12 weeks or more. Please note in-stock availability subject to change. For time sensitive orders, please contact us prior to purchasing. The internationally recognized artist Tapio Wirkkala (1915–1985) is one of the leading figures and most respected designers of the Finnish modern art...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Lighting

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Tapio Wirkkala 'Crane' Articulating Floor Lamp in Black for Innolux Oy
By Innolux Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Glendale, CA
Tapio Wirkkala 'Crane' Articulating Floor Lamp in Black for Innolux Oy. Originally produced as the in the 1950s as the Model #K-10-11 by Idman, this newly authorized re-edition of the iconic lamp is made by Innolux Oy of Finland with the same scrupulous attention to detail, materials and craftsmanship as the original. Executed in polished brass and black or white painted shade. A highly adjustable lamp, the shade rotates up and down while the arm upon which it is mounted can be raised , lowered, rotated, moved forward and backwards as well as up and down the fixed brass pole, changing the height and depth dimensions accordingly. Note: height with shade positioned as pictured is 53 inches, can extend up to 61 inches tall. Width as pictured is 28 inches, can extend to a max of 36 inches wide. Base diameter is 7.5 inches. Shade diameter max 6.75 inches. Shade height is 12 inches. Price is per item. 4 black and 2 white in stock. Available in unlimited quantities. Out of stock lead time 10-12 weeks or more. Please note in-stock availability subject to change. For time sensitive orders, please contact us prior to purchasing. The internationally recognized artist Tapio Wirkkala (1915–1985) is one of the leading figures and most respected designers of the Finnish modern art...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Lighting

Materials

Brass, Aluminum

Tapio Wirkkala Model K10-11 Floor or Table Lamp, Made by Idman, Finland, 1950s
By Idman Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Tapio Wirkkala Model K10-11 Floor / Table Lamp, made by Idman, Finland in the 1950s. Black enamelled metal conical shade with pierced detail on brass adjustable stand with cantilev...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass

Tapio Wirkkala Model "K10-11" Floor Lamp for Idman, Finland 1950s
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Utrecht, NL
The “Crane” is evidence why Tapio Wirkkala can be described as one of the icons of Finnish design and a symbol of the international success of post-war Finnish design. He was a versatile designer and artist who could shift fluently between different materials and crossed established professional boundaries. Wirkkala’s far-reaching career spanned multiple fields, from furniture design to sculpture and other art objects, and this can be clearly traced in this floor lamp. It functions as an art object just as much as a utilitarian lamp. With its slender shape and a brass and black lacquered body, this lamp is a great modernist piece that stands out in any space. The ingenious structure allows the height to be adjustable, and the design customizable. The main design elements are placed around the main functional parts, namely the shade, the adjusting rod, and the base. The sculptural brass rods cross each other similarly to a crane, and inspired the nickname of this model. The black lacquered conical shade and base, as well as the spherical counterweight stand out against the bright brass and add a modern edge to the design. The shade is lacquered white inside, creating a pleasant effect when the lamp is lit. Idman’s label engraved on the brass handle. Idman produced the models of some of the most renowned Finnish lighting designers of the time, including Tapio Wirkkala, Mauri Almari and Maria Lindeman. Unlike other aesthetic movements, Mid-Century Modern design was streamlined, while highlighting the materials used. The vibe of this “Crane” floor lamp is fresh, retro-tinged, and completely alluring with its dedication to quality and practicality wrapped up in beautiful design that will never go out of style. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The brass has a beautiful patina. Dimensions: 26.37 in W x 7.08 in D x 51.39 in H (height is adjustable) 67 cm W x 18 cm D x 128 cm H (height is adjustable) Literature: Tuula Sakalari, Katri Lehtova, Werner Söderström, “Suomalaisia Tuolej”, Osakeyhtio, Helsinki, 2012, pp. 96 & 97 About the designer: Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) can be described as one of the icons of Finnish design and a symbol of the international success of post-war Finnish design. He was a versatile designer and artist who could shift fluently between different materials and crossed established professional boundaries: he worked on everything from refrigerators to banknotes and from furniture to striking jewels. The most important materials for Wirkkala were wood and glass – he never ceased to explore the possibilities they offer. Tapio Wirkkala studied sculpture at the Helsinki Central School of Industrial Design from 1933 until 1936, but he was also a self-studied artist in many areas, including glass design. His success as a glass artist began in 1946 when he designed one of his most famous works, the Kantarelli vase, for Iittala. Wirkkala gained worldwide success in 1951 at the Milan Triennial, where he received three Grand Prix awards: for the exhibition architecture, glass design and wooden sculptures. Many of his glass works for Iittala were also awarded later in the 1950s at the Milan Triennial. In the years 1951-1954, Wirkkala worked as the artistic director of Helsinki Central School of Industrial Design. In 1955, he received a Pro Finlandia medal and in 1972 the Academy of Finland's honorary title of academician. The first mass-production glassware range designed by Wirkkala was the Tapio series launched in 1954. The popular Ultima Thule glassware range, created in 1968, was based on the so-called ice glass technique, and the designer himself was involved in developing it at the Iittala glass factory. Wirkkala also received important commissions from abroad: in the mid-1960s he started to design glass objects for Venini Glassworks in Italy, where he created the Bolle bottles for the Venice Biennale collection in 1966. One of Wirkkala’s most significant commissions abroad was the work at the Rosenthal porcelain factory in Germany: he worked as a freelance designer for Rosenthal for almost 30 years, and the most influential result was the Paper Bag vase (1977), still today one of Rosenthal’s best-selling products. Tapio Wirkkala was also a furniture designer and a sculptor. He started his career as a sculptor in the 1930s, but abandoned the traditional sculpture in the post-war years. The result was a series of unique plywood sculptures which combined form and movement in the vibrant, densely lineated surface of plywood. Wirkkala’s sculptures represented exceptional abstractionism and gave Finnish sculpture...
Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Lighting

Materials

Brass

Tapio Wirkkala K11-16 Desk Light, for Idman, Finland, 1954
By Idman, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Tapio Wirkkala K11-16 desk or table light, fully adjustable, designed 1954 and made by Idman, Finland Brass, leather and enamelled steel There are two lamps available - the pri...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Lighting

Materials

Brass, Steel

Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Triennale pendant Light White Glass 1960s
By Idman, Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in EL Waalre, NL
Tapio Wirkkala, "Triennaali" pendant, model K2-40, Idman / Ittala, 1960s Artist Tapio Wirkkala (1915 Hanko, Finland - 1985 Helsinki, Finland) A giant of Finnish design, Wirkkala was...
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass

Tapio Wirkkala 'Centro 235' Pendant in Polyethylene for Innolux
By Innolux Finland, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Glendale, CA
Tapio Wirkkala 'Centro 235' pendant in polyethylene for Innolux The geometric, lightweight 'Centro' pendant light was designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1961. The lantern-like polyethy...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Lighting

Materials

Plastic

Tapio Wirkkala 'Centro 310' Pendant in Polyethylene for Innolux
By Innolux Finland, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Glendale, CA
Tapio Wirkkala 'Centro 310' pendant in polyethylene for Innolux The geometric, lightweight Centro pendant light was designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1961. The lantern-like polyethyle...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Lighting

Materials

Plastic

Floor Lamp “K10-11” by Tapio Wirkkala for Idman
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Long Island City, NY
Floor Lamp “K10-11 ” designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Idman, Finland, circa 1950th. Rare, original lacquered finish on shade, patina on brass parts. Stamped "Idman". Rewiring availabl...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Lighting

Materials

Metal

Tapio Wirkkala Model K10-11 Floor / Table Lamp, Made by Idman, Finland, 1950s
By Idman, Paavo Tynell, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in London, GB
Tapio Wirkkala Model K10-11 Floor / Table Lamp, made by Idman, Finland in the 1950s. Brass and painted metal. Height if the lamp is adjustable - can be used as a floor or a table lam...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid-Century Copper Pendant Light by Tapio Wirkkala, c.1959
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Surrey, GB
A mid-century three tier pendant comprising Idman K2-133 copper anodised shades with a teak boomerang holder designed by Tapio Wirkkala. Wirkkala designed a collection of lights for ...
Category

20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Lighting

Materials

Copper

Tapio Wirkkala Hanging Teak Lamp with Red Vistosi Glass Shade, 1950s
By Vistosi, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Teak hanging pendant with red glass Vistosi shade. Featuring a suspended turned teak rod supporting a rounded, angular Tomato Red glass Vistosi sha...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Lighting

Materials

Glass, Teak

Unusual Floor Lamp by Tapio Wirkkala
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Such an unusual example of Tapio Wirkkala's coveted lighting. This model has an adjustable light source which is controlled by a sliding bar on the l...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass

Tapio Wirkkala Table Lamp Model KD-11 by Idman in Finland
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare table lamp / wall lamp model KD-11 Tapio Wirkkala. Produced by Idman in Finland.
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pair of Tapio Wirkkala Style Wall Sconces
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Chicago, IL
Wirkkala "arcadia" wall sconces, monumental is size and stature. Made of multiple hand blown Venini art glass, shades hangs on steel frame with up and down lights...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Lighting

Materials

Steel

Ten-Tier Cascading Chandelier by Tapio Wirkkala for Oy Airam AB, Finland
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in South Charleston, WV
A rare and monumental ten-tier pendant cascading chandelier by Finnish master designer Tapio Wirkkala, produced by Oy Airam AB of Finland with cased opaline glass shades. Some designs have the bulb he designed for Airam forming the diamond shape whereas in this example the opaline diamond shapes are glass shades and particularly uncommon. Measures: 60" tall (though can be extended to much longer lengths), 19" wide. Each pendant is 13.5" long and 5" wide and takes a 25 watt bulb. The ceiling mounting plate is 15" wide. Cords are slightly warped only in the photo from having been packed and will settle out to be straight after a few days after being hung. See the 4th photo as the lamp was prior to removal. Produced sometime between 1960 and mid-1970s and with ten pendants, it is one of the largest examples to be found anywhere and a very fine example of vintage modernist lighting...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Lighting

Materials

Brass, Steel

1960s Tapio Wirkkala Pendants for Idman
By Tapio Wirkkala, Idman and Airam
Located in Glendale, CA
1960s Tapio Wirkkala pendants for Idman, executed in black painted metal and rare blown-glass architectural bulbs. Retains original manufacturer's label and rare original boxes for a...
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Lighting

Materials

Metal

Two Beautiful Glass ‘Suomi’ Pendants by Tapio Wirkkala, Finland, 1950s
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Echt, NL
Set of Tapio Wirkkala ‘Suomi’ pendants in very good condition. Handblown glass. Made of two pieces, an opaline inner shade which is covered with a transparent grey colored glass sh...
Category

20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Lighting

Materials

Metal

Tapio Wirkkala hanging lamps for IDMAN
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A nice hanging lamp by Tapio Wirkkala for Idman. Copper cylinders hold Tapio Wirkkala designed bulbs . Three-armed ceiling cap allows for adjustable heights.
Category

1970s Finnish Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Lighting

Materials

Copper, Metal

Tapio Wirkkala Rare Floor Lamp Model "K10-47" for Idman Oy, Finland 1960s
By Idman Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Utrecht, NL
Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) was a multitalented design genius, widely considered a leading figure of modern Finnish industrial art. This lamp model is one of the cornerstones of Tapio Wirkkala´s repertoire; this groundbreaking piece is one of the original adjustable lamps with angular opal light bulbs that launched a series of lamps with different designs, that were in production for 30 years from the late 1950s until the late 1970s. This specific model is very hard to come by, truly a holy grail for any collector and design aficionado. The structure shows Wirkkala’s genius in every line, joint, and idea. Showing the designer’s great consideration for functionality besides the aesthetic dimension, the height, width, and depth are all adjustable in different directions. This is the result of the ingenious ball joint on the brass pole that ends in a teak handle. Besides the unique structural solutions, the design also features a versatile medley of shapes and materials with a black lacquered cast iron base, brass poles, and a black lacquered metal shade. While the structure, with its dual brass poles is similar to the “crane” model...
Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass

Tapio Wirkkala Table Lamp Model K11-81b, Idman
By Tapio Wirkkala, Idman
Located in Helsinki, FI
This very rare and elegant table lamp model K11-81 b designed by Tapio Wirkkala, is extremely hard to come by, wich makes this piece a great addition to any collection. It objectifie...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass

Tapio Wirkkala lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

Tapio Wirkkala lighting are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Tapio Wirkkala lighting, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 22 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 4 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original lighting by Tapio Wirkkala were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider lighting by Ilmari Tapiovaara, Stockmann-Orno , and Yki Nummi. Prices for Tapio Wirkkala lighting can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $206 and can go as high as $37,426, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $9,145.

Recently Viewed

View All