Tapio Wirkkala Furniture
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.
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Creator: Tapio Wirkkala
Dealer: Haddadin Design
Tapio Wirkkala, Brass Bird Sculpture for Kultakeskus Hämeenlinna Finland, 1970s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful example of Tapio Wirkkala's bird sculpture in solid brass. This minimalistic piece by Wirkkala, who started his career as a sculptor, objectifies his minimal organic appr...
Category
1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Furniture
Materials
Brass
A Pair of Tapio Wirkkala Bronze Bird Sculptures, Kultakeskus Hämeenlinna, 1970s
By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Helsinki, FI
A couple of nice Tapio Wirkkala bronze bird sculptures (paper weights). Both items are in beautiful original condition with nice vintage patinas. Alt...
Category
1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Tapio Wirkkala Pair of Trumpet Candle Holders In Silver, Kultakeskus Oy 1980s
By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Helsinki, FI
A pair of candle holders designed by Tapio Wirkkala, and manufactured by Kultakeskus Oy back in 1980s. Both pieces fully stamped showing date and manufacturer. The also have monogram...
Category
1980s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Furniture
Materials
Silver
A Beautiful Tapio Wirkkala Rhythmic Veneer Decorative Leaf Dish Soini 1950s
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Helsinki, FI
In most if not in all of his designs, Tapio Wirkkala took his inspiration from the surrounding nature. This is one example with a beautiful figurative sculptural "leaf". The way it's...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Furniture
Materials
Birch
Tapio Wirkkala Rhytmic Veneer Wall Relief Model 9018, Asko 1950s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Asko
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare version of the Tapio Wirkkala rhythmic veneer coffee table turned into wall hanging. The model is 9018, and aka Angel Wings due to the symmetric wing resembling rhytmic lines ...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Furniture
Materials
Birch
Set of 8 Tapio Wirkkala Line-engraved Glass Art Pieces, Iittala 1950s
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Helsinki, FI
A set of eight Tapio Wirkkala Tulip art objects / vases for Iittala. The set is of different pieces from the line engraved series that is highly inspired by nature including flowers,...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Furniture
Materials
Blown Glass
Rare Tapio Wirkkala Reindeer Antlers Coffee Table Model 9020, Elm, Asko 1950s
By Asko, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Helsinki, FI
An exceedingly rare Tapio Wirkkala coffee table model 9020 aka Reindeer Antlers due inspiration behind the design taken from Reindeers native to Lapland where Tapio Wirkkala spent mu...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Furniture
Materials
Glass, Elm
A Rare Tapio Wirkkala Rhythmic Veneer Coffee Table Model 9018, Asko 1950s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Asko
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare version of the Tapio Wirkkala rhythmic veneer coffee table model 9018, aka "Angel Wings" due to the symetric wong resembling rhythmic lines on top. The legs are detachable and...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Tapio Wirkkala Handmade & Hammered Silver Boat Model TW 9, Kultakeskus 1959
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
Tapio wirkkala was an exceptionally talented designer regardless of the materials used. Although he established super stardom with his art glass objects in the 1950s by winning a num...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Furniture
Materials
Silver
Pair of Large Tapio Wirkkala Line-Engraved Art Pieces Model 3545, Iittala, 1950s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Helsinki, FI
A pair of Tapio Wirkkala line-engraved art pieces model 3545. A bigger version of the smaller foal's leg (Varsanjalka in Finnish) vases. As Wirkkala was inspired by nature, these pie...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Furniture
Materials
Blown Glass
Set of 3 Tapio Wirkkala Line-engraved "Leaf" Glass Art Pieces, Iittala 1950s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Helsinki, FI
A set of three Tapio Wirkkala leaf art objects / vases for Iittala. The set is of three two different sized pieces from the line engraved series that is highly inspired by nature inc...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Furniture
Materials
Blown Glass
Two Tapio Wirkkala Line-engraved Glass Art Pieces Model 3561, Iittala, 1950s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Helsinki, FI
Two Tapio Wirkkala Tulip art objects / vases model 3561 for Iittala. As Wirkkala was inspired by nature, these pieces were no exception and he drew his inspiration from emerging tuli...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Furniture
Materials
Blown Glass
Tapio Wirkkala Rhythmic Veneer Coffee Table with Metal & Brass Legs, Asko 1950s
By Asko, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare version of the Tapio Wirkkala rhythmic veneer coffee table model 9018 with the original nickled brass legs.
Tapio Wirkkala started generating and enhancing this rhytmic veneer...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Tapio Wirkkala Adjustable Floor Lamp K10-47, Black, Brass & Teak, Idman 1950s
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 Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Black Tapio Wirkkala Adjustable Floor Lamp Model K10-11, Idman 1950s
By Idman, Tapio Wirkkala
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 and metal ...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Tapio Wirkkala Hand Hammered Round Silver Bowl, Kultakeskus 1970
By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Helsinki, FI
Tapio was always a hands on experience kind of designer. He always visited the work area of his objects and collaborated with the glass blowers or other handy and craftsmen that crea...
Category
1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Furniture
Materials
Silver
Set of 8 Tapio Wirkkala Trumpet Candle Holders In Silver, Kultakeskus Oy, 1980s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A set of 8 candle holders designed by Tapio Wirkkala, and manufactured by Kultakeskus Oy back in the 1980s. All pieces are authentic and come with a plethera of stamps and markings, ...
Category
1980s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Furniture
Materials
Silver
Minimalist Tapio Wirkkala Ceiling Lamp Model 51129 in White Opaline Glass, 1950s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Idman Oy, Iittala
Located in Helsinki, FI
An elegant ceiling lamp model. 51129 in white opaline glass, designed by Tapio Wirkkala and manufactured in a joint effort by Idman & Iittala in Finland in the 1950s. This very minim...
Category
1950s Finnish Minimalist Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Furniture
Materials
Brass
Tapio Wirkkala 'Apple' Silver Dish with Birch Handles TW 58, Kultakeskus 1950s
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Helsinki, FI
Tapio Wirkkala dish model TW 58 in silver with black stained birch handles, made in the 1950s. This piece displays one of Wirkkala's many beautiful designs almost resembling a seashe...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Furniture
Materials
Silver
Tapio Wirkkala Velvet Art Glass Vase "Jäkälä" model 3516, Iittala 1950s Finland
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful art glass vase model 3516, designed by Tapio Wirkkala and manufactured by Iittala in Finland in the 1950s. In the manufacturing process the glass is blown in to a special...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Furniture
Materials
Art Glass
Tapio Wirkkala Line-engraved Vase Model 3327, Iittala 1950s Finland
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful Line-engraved art glass vase model 3327, designed by Tapio Wirkkala and manufactured by Iittala in Finland in the 1950s. in the manufacturing process the glass is blown i...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Furniture
Materials
Art Glass
Set Of Three Different Size Tapio Wirkkala Bronze Bowls, Kultakeskus Oy 1970s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
Tapio Wirkkala designed a large number of items for Kultakeskus OY. Materials ranged from silver to bronze and other metals. This particular model was introduced in 1971 in a number ...
Category
1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Tapio Wirkkala Commissioned Cigar Box In Silver and Teak, 1970s
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Helsinki, FI
Very rare and unique cigar box in teak and silver. Designed by Tapio Wirkkala. Very sleak and elegant piece for someone who appreciates the "finer things" in life.
The item is mark...
Category
1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Furniture
Materials
Silver
Aulis Leinonen and Tapio Wirkkala Beech & Rythmic Veneer Trolley, Asko 1950s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Asko
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare and elegant wooden trolley in lacquered beech and rhythmic veneer, manufactured by Asko in Finland for only two years from 1950-1951. The design is a team effort between the world renowned Tapio Wirkkala and Aulis Leinonen...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Furniture
Materials
Beech, Birch, Lacquer
A Pair of Tapio Wirkkala, Leaf Serving Bowls In Silver & Teak, TW-85, 1960s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful pair of leaf shaped silver bowls with teak handles, designed by Tapio Wirkkala and manufactured by Kultakeskus Oy in Finland in the 1960s. A perfect display of Wirkkala i...
Category
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Furniture
Materials
Silver
Tapio Wirkkala Table Lamp Model K11-81 in Black & Brass, Idman 1950s
By Idman, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Helsinki, FI
This bijou and elegant table lamp model K11-81 designed by Tapio Wirkkala, is hard to come by, which makes this piece a great addition to any collection. It objectifies Wirkkala's s...
Category
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Bronze bowls by Tapio Wirkkala Models 446-448, Kultakeskus 1970s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
Tapio Wirkkala designed a large number of items fo Kultakeskus OY. Materials ranged from silver to bronze and other metals.
This particular model was introduced in 1971 in a number of different sizes ranging from 160-290 mm. 48 pieces of these were given in 1978 World Champions sky competition in Lahti, Finland.
This was also officially introduced in an exhibition in London in 1972.
This design is of course very functional as well, since these bowls can be used for a variety of reasons, such as fruit bowls and so on.
These 2 pieces came from the same household, so they sustain similar patina, since they aged in the same surroundings.
The measures 25x8 cm are for the bigger bowl.. The smaller one is 16x7 cm.
The bigger bowl has beautiful darker beauty marks or vintage spots 🙂 that only come with age and use, refer to pictures please.
Rarely does a designer command such an expansive talent and career as Wirkkala did. Inspired by nature and armed with exceptional understanding of geomety and ratios, his designs literally shaped much of our daily lives.
Designs ranging from daily items such as money...
Category
1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Table Lamp Model K11-81b, Idman 1950s
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 Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Tapio Wirkkala, Serving Bowl in Silver with Teak Handle, TW-85, 1956
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A leaf shaped silver serving dish with a teak handle, model TW85 designed and signed by Tapio Wirkkala. This dish is from 1956. A perfect example of Wirkkala's genious designs derive...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Furniture
Materials
Silver
Tapio Wirkkala Floor Lamp Model K10-47 in Black, Brass & Teak, Idman 1950s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Idman Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare and iconic floor lamp by Tapio Wirkkala and manufactured by Idman. The lamp is very versatile and is adjustable on three different axes. Also the height, width and depth are a...
Category
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Tapio Wirkkala Spiral Silver Dish model 143, Kultakeskus Hämeenlinna, 1973
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful decorative dish in silver, designed by Tapio Wirkkala and manufactured by Kultakeskus Oy in 1973 Finland. This piece is documented in Tapio Wirkkala's book and the model ...
Category
1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Furniture
Materials
Silver
Tapio Wirkkala furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Tapio Wirkkala furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of glass and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Tapio Wirkkala furniture, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 263 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 19 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture 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 furniture by Timo Sarpaneva, Kaj Franck, and Nuutajärvi Notsjõ. Prices for Tapio Wirkkala furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $57 and can go as high as $37,426, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,945.
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