Duo, Silver-Plated Metal Flatware Set for 12 People, Tapio Wirkkala, Christofle
About the Item
- Creator:Tapio Wirkkala (Designer),Christofle (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 3.94 in (10 cm)Width: 3.94 in (10 cm)Depth: 3.94 in (10 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:Silver,Plated
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1957
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Brussels, BE
- Reference Number:
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.
Christofle
Although he started his career as a jeweler in 1830 — after apprenticing with his copper jeweler brother-in-law years earlier — Charles Christofle (1805–63) recognized that Second Empire France had an untapped audience for luxury silverware and tableware.
Gold and silver gilt had been the high-end standard in the 18th century, yet society after the Industrial Revolution demanded a more affordable, but still refined, approach. So in the 1840s, Christofle cornered the market on electrolytic gilding and silver plating, dominating the hold on patents in the country for over a decade. His work soon attracted the attention of Louis-Philippe I and then Napoleon III, under whom he was named Fournisseur de l’Empereur, cementing the prestige of his brand.
While Christofle created decadent centerpieces and tableware for the French palaces — as well as prominent clients like the Orient Express — the company’s electroplating of silverware that was far less expensive than that made by silversmiths attained widespread popularity. At a time when many who could not afford gold or silver still used wooden utensils, Christofle was a game changer for at-home dining. An appearance at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago furthered the company’s reach to American consumers who would soon rival the manufacturer’s European clientele.
The 20th century saw Christofle adapting to changing tastes in its offerings, such as the Aria collection, which debuted in 1985 with column-like lines on its flatware designed by Bernard Yot, and the playful egg-shaped silverware container introduced in 2015 that opens to reveal a full flatware set. The company also now sells barware, home accessories and even jewelry, harkening back to its roots. Now almost two centuries old, Christofle maintains its reputation as a leading flatware and silverware company under the ownership of the Chalhoub group, its utensils gracing tables in homes, hotels and restaurants all over the world.
Shop authentic Christofle serveware, ceramics, decorative objects and more on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Leuze-en-Hainaut, Belgium
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Pavoni by Tapio Wirkkala – High blown Murano glass vaseBy Tapio WirkkalaLocated in Brussels, BEPavoni by Tapio Wirkkala – High blown Murano glass vase Pavoni by Tapio Wirkkala, high blown Murano glass vase. Vase with an oval cross section. Decor in filigrana over red glass. A ...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases
MaterialsArt Glass, Blown Glass
- Porcelain Wall Decoration by Tapio Wirkkala, Yearly Limited Edition 1971By Tapio Wirkkala, RosenthalLocated in Brussels, BEThis porcelain wall decoration designed by Tapio Wirkkala is composed of inverted half bubbles on a gilded paint top surface, it is a lunar and poetic vision that Tapio Wirkkala offe...Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsPorcelain
- Rosewood, Silver and Enamel Box by Silversmith OttavianiBy OttavianiLocated in Brussels, BERosewood box decorated with a sterling silver and enamel plaque by the Italian silversmith Ottaviani, circa 1960s. Signed with the maker’s signature and “925”. Notes: Ottaviani (194...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Sterling Silver
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Rosewood, Silver and Enamel Box by Silversmith OttavianiBy OttavianiLocated in Brussels, BERosewood box decorated with a sterling silver and enamel plaque by the Italian silversmith Ottaviani, circa 1960s. Signed with the maker’s signature and “925”. Notes: Ottaviani (194...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Sterling Silver
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Set of 12 Saddle Stitched Red Leather Chairs by Jacques Adnet, FranceBy Jacques Adnet, Compagnie Des Arts FrançaisLocated in Brussels, BEAbout this set of 12 chairs by Jacques Adnet A rare set of 12 red leather saddle stitch chairs. Composed of 10 chairs and 2 armchairs with steel armrest...Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsBrass
- "Estro" Bowl and Spoon Sauceboat Italian Silvered Metal by Lino Sabattini, 1973By Lino SabattiniLocated in Brussels, BEA rare large sauceboat designed and manufactured by Lino Sabattini in 1973 This item can be used as a vide poches or a bonbonnière it's like a sculpture Silvered metal You can pl...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Tableware
MaterialsMetal
- Duo by Christofle Silverplate Flatware Service for 12 Set 116 pieces DinnerBy ChristofleLocated in Big Bend, WIWith a dedication to perfection and quality, Christofle flatware creations unite craftsmanship and modern technique, resulting in flatware to be handed down through generations. D...Category
20th Century Sterling Silver
MaterialsSilver Plate
- Tapio Wirkkala Silver Punch SetBy Tapio WirkkalaLocated in Toronto, OntarioA beautiful solid silver Pitcher and cups by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus, Oy. Created by a single craftsperson from start to finish.Category
Vintage 1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Pitchers
MaterialsSilver
- Delafosse by Christofle France Silver Plate Flatware Set 12 Service 137 PiecesBy ChristofleLocated in Big Bend, WIDelafosse by Christofle silver plated flatware set of 137 pieces. This set includes: 12 dinner size knives, 9 3/4", 12 dinner size forks, 8 5/8", 12 luncheon knives (some blade we...Category
20th Century Tableware
MaterialsSilver Plate
- Tapio Wirkkala's Snail bowl in silverBy Tapio WirkkalaLocated in Toronto, OntarioA great little solid silver handworked "snail" bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus Oy.Category
Vintage 1950s Finnish Decorative Bowls
MaterialsSilver
- Dax by Christofle France Silver Plated Flatware Set Service, 42 PiecesBy ChristofleLocated in Big Bend, WIModern clean lines make this pattern forever timeless. Dinner size Dax by Christofle France silver plated flatware set, 42 pieces. This s...Category
20th Century Sterling Silver
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Duo by Christofle Silverplate Flatware Service Set 119 pieces Dinner ModernBy ChristofleLocated in Big Bend, WIWith a dedication to perfection and quality, Christofle flatware creations unite craftsmanship and modern technique, resulting in flatware to be handed down through generations. Du...Category
20th Century Sterling Silver
MaterialsSilver Plate