Large Lunaria Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, 1972

Name: Large Lunaria Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, 1972
Brand: Tapio Wirkkala
Price: 799.56 USD
Availability: InStock

About the Item

The Large Lunaria Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, crafted in 1972, beckons as an exceptional investment in timeless design and functionality. Wirkkala, a luminary in Finnish design, envisioned a piece that seamlessly marries artistry with utility, and the Large Lunaria Bowl embodies this philosophy. Its captivating leaf-like form, inspired by the delicate structure of nature, serves as a testament to the prevailing design ethos of the 1970s. The bowl's organic silhouette lends a touch of elegance to any space, making it a versatile addition to both contemporary and classic interiors. Its enduring aesthetic ensures that it remains a cherished centerpiece, impervious to passing design trends. Crafted by Iittala, a brand synonymous with superior craftsmanship, the Large Lunaria Bowl exemplifies the commitment to quality materials. Its construction not only enhances its visual appeal but also guarantees durability, transforming it from a mere decorative item into a lasting legacy. Owning this bowl becomes more than a transaction; it becomes a connection to the rich heritage of Finnish design and the artistic brilliance of Tapio Wirkkala. In acquiring the Large Lunaria Bowl, one welcomes not just an exquisite piece of functional art but a timeless symbol of enduring style and cultural significance.

Creator:

Tapio Wirkkala (Artist)

Dimensions:

Height: 2.76 in (7 cm)Diameter: 15.75 in (40 cm)

Style:

Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Glass

Place of Origin:

Finland

Period:

1970-1979

Date of Manufacture:

Circa 1970

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use.

Seller Location:

BARCELONA, ES

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU9391238168252

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Shop All Tapio Wirkkala

Tapio Wirkkala

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.

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