Oy Kumela Vases and Vessels

Vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala, Sweden, 1957. Sterling silver. Dimensions: H: 24 cm/ 9 3/8" W: 9 cm/ 3 1/2" D: 4 cm/ 1 1/2" 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. 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. Tapio Wirkkala felt a deep relationship with nature and his absolute favourite spot was located in Finland's deepest forests. From the beautiful landscape, Tapio Wirkkala could find inspiration for his works, often characterised by organic shapes. Leaves, birds, ice and water are recurring themes in his design. 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 – in the early 1950s, alongside with other works, he started to develop an entirely new relationship with sculpture and a new technique to be used. 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 abstractism and gave Finnish sculpture...

Hand blown art glass vase, by Saara Hopea and produced for Nuutajärvi Notsjö, Finland, circa 1950s. Etched signature underneath. It measures 4.5" height x 3.5" diameter.

Stylish crystal bud vase by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala Finland. The petite and elegant shape looks stunning in any setting. Pairs beautifull...

A beautiful sculptural and fluid piece. The "Soap Bubble" vase in olive glass. Extensive signature, K. Franck, Nuutajarvi Notsjo Measures: 7 inch high.

A fine, large 11 1/2 inches high Kartio flower vase in blue from the 1950s. Designed by Kaj Franck, executed by Nuutajarvi Nottsjo Finland. In excellent condition.

A large orchid vase by Timo Sarpaneva.

A lovely rather large vintage glass vase made by talented Kaj Blomqvist known as “Malja”, Humppila, Finland. A dark orange or amber colored vase with fantastic shapes and makers mark...

Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala art glass vase, 1960s. Beautiful Finnish design. In perfect condition. Measures: 17.5 cm x 7.2 cm. Signed.

Petite, Mid-Century Modern, faceted crystal "Orchid" bud vase by Timo Sarpaneva for littala, Finland.

Large glass vase by Kaj Blomqvist for Kumela, Finland. The vase has a gradient from green to transparent. Floral, symmetrical ornaments are shown on the front and back. The vase is s...

Pentti Sarpaneva for Turun Hopea. Maljakko vase in smoky art glass with brass mounting. Finnish design, 1960s. Measures: 21 x 10 cm. In excellent condition.

Pentti Sarpaneva, for Turun Hopea, pair of brass ‘Pitsi’ or ‘Lace’ candlesticks, Finland, circa 1975. A pair of Brutalist gilt bronze Scandinavian candleholders of the seventies. Lac...