Tapio Wirkkala Leaf Littala
About the Item
- Creator:Tapio Wirkkala (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 1.97 in (5 cm)Width: 4.73 in (12 cm)Depth: 11.82 in (30 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1955
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Bruxelles, BE
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3232125287732
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.
Find vintage Tapio Wirkkala furniture on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Bruxelles, Belgium
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Art Deco Acid Etched Vase by SchneiderBy Charles SchneiderLocated in Bruxelles, BEVery impressive acid etched glass by Schneider in a astonishing yellow color. Very deep etched gravure on surface of the vase with a pure Art Deco design. Truly one of the best vase from this Art Deco period of the maker. Quality is exactly the same than Daum manufacture for which Schneider had beginning to work. The piece is signed Schneider and on the underside Debacker (a famous shop in Brussels where you can buy the most prestigious Art Deco creation of French and Belgian master...Category
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Glass
MaterialsGlass
- Elegant Christofle Wine Cart with Grape Leaf MotifBy ChristofleLocated in Bruxelles, BEThis exquisite wine cart, crafted by the renowned French silversmith Christofle, epitomizes sophistication and functionality. Dating back to the late 19th century, it features delica...Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Wine Coolers
MaterialsSilver Plate
- Mid modern century Poul Kjaerholm Nesting TableBy Poul KjærholmLocated in Bruxelles, BENesting tables pk 71 by Poul kjaerholm for kold Christensen 1957 very early model with some rust on metal and top in black acrylic.Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Nesting Tables and Stacking Tables
MaterialsMetal
- 1950 Floor Lamp by H.Fillekes for ArtiforteBy H. FillekesLocated in Bruxelles, BEFloor lamp designed by H.Fillekes in 1954 for Artiforte. Small production and great design this is a truly collector item. All the parts are original (except the switch) painting i...Category
Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsMetal
- 6 Chairs PK9 from Poul Kjaerholm for Kold ChristensenBy Poul KjærholmLocated in Bruxelles, BESuite of 6 dining chairs model PK 9 designed by Poul Kjaerholm in 1961 for Kold Christensen. It’s an early edition in good condition. Very rare set made by one of the most sought a...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- Fruit Ball in Porcelain by Alicia Penalba, circa 1980By Alicia PenalbaLocated in Bruxelles, BELimited edition from Artcurial numbered 77/900 by Alicia Penalba Argentina (1913 /1982).Category
Vintage 1980s French Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces
MaterialsMetal
- Vase made in Finland, Sign: Tapio Wirkkala Littala 57By Tapio WirkkalaLocated in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, CTapio Wirkkala (June 2, 1915 – May 19, 1985) was a Finnish designer and sculptor, one of the pioneers of industrial art in his country. His work in design was recognized in the years...Category
Vintage 1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Glass
MaterialsGlass
- Tapio Wirkkala, "Pavoni", 1989By Tapio WirkkalaLocated in Paris, FRTapio Wirkkala 'Pavoni' Vase, c. 1989 Execution: Venini, blown glass, red and cream. Signed: Venini murano, incised signature. (Picture 3 & 4) H : 20 cm (7.9") Overall Very goo...Category
1990s Finnish Post-Modern Vases
MaterialsGlass
- Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Combed Crystal Art object Leaf set HandblownBy Iittala, Tapio WirkkalaLocated in EL Waalre, NLArtist Tapio Wirkkala (1915 Hanko, Finland - 1985 Helsinki, Finland) A giant of Finnish design, Wirkkala was an artist of great diversity for whom no material was alien and who left...Category
Vintage 1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Glass
MaterialsCrystal
- Large 'Stellaria' Bowl by Tapio WirkkalaBy Tapio WirkkalaLocated in Dronten, NLLarge Tapio Wirkkala Stellaria bowl #3450 by Iittala in mould-blown clear glass. Engraved: Tapio Wirkkala 3450. Marked with a remnant of an Iittala sticker. Tapio Wirkkala (1915-198...Category
Vintage 1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
MaterialsGlass
- Tapio Wirkkala Iittala Finnish Modernist Kanttarelli VaseBy Tapio WirkkalaLocated in Palm Springs, CAIittala Kanttarelli vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala. Vase measures 5" by 4.5" and is signed on the bottom Tapio Wirkkala, Iitala. In very good vintage condition.Category
Vintage 1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Glass
MaterialsGlass
- Tapio Wirkkala, Rare "Piatto di tiapo", 1970By Tapio WirkkalaLocated in Paris, FRTapio Wirkkala Very rare 'Piatto di tiapo' Plate, c. 1970 Venini, glass, cream and blue. Unique Exemplar. Signed : Venini and Wirkkala Measure: D : 49.5 cm (19.27") Overall very...Category
Vintage 1970s Finnish Post-Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
MaterialsGlass