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.
Tapio Wirkkala Stainless Steel Puukko Knife with Leather Sheath Hackman Finland
By Tapio Wirkkala, Hackman
Located in London, GB
Tapio Wirkkala Puukko Knife by Hackman Finnish Design This vintage Puukko knife, designed by renowned Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala and produc...
Brass, Stainless Steel
VENINI Bolle vase, Green & Pink with yellow details, year 2011, 90° anniversary
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
Located in Venezia, IT
Venini Opalino 90th anniversary vase, model 706.24, produced in 2011, signed on the base, and accompanied by its original Venini box and paperwork. The Venini Bolle...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Tapio Wirkkalla for Rosenthal Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Black 'Pollo' Vase
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Beautiful sculptural Midcentury Modern vintage matt black 'Pollo' vase designed by Finish designer Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Germany as part of their 'studioline' in the early 196...
Porcelain
Original 1977 Tapio Wirkkala "Paper Bag" Ceramic Vase for Rosenthal
By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal
Located in Malmö, SE
Original Tapio Wirkkala "Paper Bag" porcelain Vase for Rosenthal. Early and rare production, made between 1979 and 1980. Excellent condition. Marked 'Rosenthal' 'Studio Linie' and ...
Ceramic, Porcelain
$2,716Sale Price|20% Off
Silver. Vase by Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus OY, Hämeenlinna, Finland, 1973
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Stockholm, SE
This vase In silver was designed by the Finnish master Tapio Wirkkala, whose artistic expression consistently drew inspiration from nature. He himself described how he discovered for...
Sterling Silver
Early Tapio Wirkkala "Winter Journey" Tall White Porcelain Vase
By Rut Bryk, Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Tall Tapio Wirkkala, Rut Bryk "Winterreise" White Porcelain Vase for Rosenthal. Circa 1980. Featuring a flared polygonal column form on 3.75D base with winter landscape Black line d...
Porcelain
Rare Tapio Wirkkala Rosenthal Studio Line White Op Art Porcelain Vase
By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This elegant white porcelain vase was designed by the renowned Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Studio Line, Germany. Characteristic of Wirkkala’s refined and sculptural...
Porcelain
Tapio Wirkkala Scandinavian Free Form Glass Vase for IIttala
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Signed 1960’s Tapio Wirkkala Scandinavian hand blown, Free-form glass vase. Dim: 6.5” Wide, 5.75” Deep, 8.75” High.
Blown Glass
Black Loon Porcelain Figure by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal, 1970s
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Stockholm, SE
Black Loon Porcelain Figure by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal, 1970s. Wirkkala, the Finnish designer and artist, created an iconic figure of a loon for the German porcelain company Ros...
Porcelain
Tapio Wirkkala, Vase, Blown Glass, Finland, 1950s
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in High Point, NC
A blown glass vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala and produced by Iittala, Finland, c. 1950s.
Blown Glass
A Pair of Tapio Wirkkala Bronze Bird Sculptures, Kultakeskus Hämeenlinna, 1970s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
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...
Bronze
Large Stump of a Tree Art Glass Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1951
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Stump of a Tree Art Glass Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1951 A large 'Kalvolan kanto' (stump of a tree) bowl designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Glassworks in 1951. Mo...
Art Glass
Set of 2 Floral Vases Tapio Wirkkala Polygon Rosenthal Studio Line Germany 1980s
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Op Art porcelain vase set of 2 Producer: Rosenthal, Germany Designer: Tapio Wirkkala Decade: 1980s This original vintage Op Art vase ...
Porcelain
Brutalist Decorative Glass Vase "Sointu" by Tapio Wirkkala for Littala, 1960's
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Milano, IT
Vintage Vase - Table Decoration - Sculptural Vase Elegant, sculptural and highly decorative vintage vase. Subtle, artistic and beautifully shaped, the vase is made in clear Murano...
Glass, Murano Glass
Set of Two Vintage "Paper Bag" Vases by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal - 1970's
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Set of Two Vintage Beige/Brown "Paper Bag" Vases by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal pair of vintage "Paper Bag" vases designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal. These exceptional pieces...
Porcelain
Finnish Mid Century Decorative Birch Wooden Dish Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala, 1950s
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very rare and iconic Finnish mid century decorative sculptural dish bowl in carved laminated birch wood designed and produced by Tapio Wirkkala, 1950s. In good original condition ...
Birch
ROSENTHAL - Tapio Wirkkala - Porcelain 'Paper Bag' Vase - Germany - Circa 1977
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Chatham, ON
ROSENTHAL (Manufacturer, 1879-Present) - TAPIO WIRKKALA (Designer, 1915-1985) - Mid Century pop art porcelain 'paper bag' vase (part of Rosenthal's Studio Line) - featuring a matte f...
Porcelain
Tapio Wirkkala For Venini Incalmo 1/2 Filigree Vase
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Tapio Wirkkala Filigrana Vase Edited by Venini Engraved Signature and Date
Art Glass
Vintage Art Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1967
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Art glass vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1967 A large vintage art glass vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Glassworks in ...
Art Glass
$556Sale Price|20% Off
1960s XL Tapio Wirkkala Vase Rosenthal Cogwheel Flower Centerpiece Alvar Aalto
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Very rave in this massive size, but is chipped on top rim.
Art Glass
Pair of Bijou Tapio Wirkkala Comb Engraved Leaf Art Glasses 3337, Iittala 1957
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Helsinki, FI
A small pair of Tapio Wirkkala leaf art objects model 3337 for Iittala. The set is of two slightly different sized pieces from the comb engraved se...
Blown Glass
$162Sale Price|54% Off
Wirkkala Textured Art Glass Ice Vase, Finland, 1970s
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Vintage Finnish Tapio Wirkkala textured art glass cylinder vase for Ittala. Asymmetrical icicle patterns. Beautiful vintage condition. Finland, 1970s.
Glass, Art Glass
Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Kalvolan Kanto Vase
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in New York, NY
Signed Tapio "Wirkkala 3241" for Iittala glass vase. Classic form, retains original label. Perfect condition, nice vintage example.
Art Glass
Venini Bolle 503.01 Glass Vase, Adriatic & Talpa - Design Tapio Wirkkala
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Venini Design: Tapio Wirkkala Model: Bubbles 503.01 Collection: Bubbles Year: 1966 Made in: Italy Create a magical atmosphere with a unique piece of Murano glass. The Bolle c...
Glass
Murano Glass Vase Bolle by Tapio Wirkkala for Venini, BMW, Italy
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
Located in München, BY
Murano Glass Vase Bolle designed in the year 1966 by Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) for Venini, Italy. This vase was made in 1985 by Venini in Murano from red and honey-colored, transpa...
Murano Glass
$366Sale Price|20% Off
Finnish art glass design, a “Stellaria” bowl made by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
Rare, signed and very beautiful Scandinavian glass design, a rather large footed bowl, suitable for fruit or confectionery made and signed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Finland. The ...
Glass
A Set Of Tapio Large Wirkkala for Iittala Ice Glass Vases, Finland 1970
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Rijssen, NL
A wonderful and rare set of clear, molded ice glass vases by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, circa 1970s. With their very interesting shape and texture, the vases create a beautiful whol...
Glass
Large Vintage Art Glass Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1950s
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Vintage Art Glass Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1950s A rare art glass bowl, designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Glassworks in the 1950s. Mold-blown, crystal-clear gla...
Art Glass
Two Tapio Wirkkala Line-engraved Glass Art Pieces Model 3561, Iittala, 1950s
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
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...
Blown Glass
Set of 6 Tapio Wirkkala TW 486 Brass Candle Holders, Kultakeskus Oy, Finland
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in Karis, Nyland
A refined set of six brass candle holders designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus Oy, model TW 486. The design is defined by its strong, architectural silhouette: a solid cylindri...
Brass
Large Vintage Art Glass Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1950s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Vintage Art Glass Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1950s A rare art glass bowl, designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Glassworks in the 1950s. Mold-blown, crystal-clear gla...
Art Glass
Iittala Iceblock Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala 1951
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Iittala Iceblock Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala 1951 Rare art glass bowl “Jäänsärö” (ice block or iceberg), designed by Tapio Wirkkala for the Iittala glassworks in 1951. Mold-blown and ham...
Art Glass
Art Glass Vase 'Bolle ' by Tapio Wirkkala for Venini, Murano 1966
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Art Glass Vase 'Bolle ' by Tapio Wirkkala for Venini, Murano 1966 A vintage art glass vase of the 'Bolle' series. Thin mouthblown grey and amethyst glass fused in incalmo technique....
Art Glass
Tapio Wirkkala Glass Vase, Finland, 1970s
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Savannah, GA
An ice glass vase by Tapio Wirkkala, Finland, 1970s. 4 ½ inches wide by 4 inches deep by 6 ½ inches tall
Glass
$366Sale Price|20% Off
Finnish art glass design, a bowl “Avanti” made by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala.
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
Rare and very beautiful Scandinavian glass design, a rather large footed bowl or plate, suitable for fruit or confectionery made by Iittala Finland. The bowl is known as "Avanto" (wh...
Glass
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 ...
Silver
Mid Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala "Inari" Glass Bowl from Littala Glass Factory
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Mid Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala "Inari" Glass Bowl, Iittala Glass Factory, Finland. Signed by the designer with model number. An exceptional, sculptural, footed bowl designed by Ta...
Glass
Tapio Wirkkala / VASE / Iittala
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
This piece is made using a special glass developed by Iittala called “Q Colour,” which features a pastel-toned, semi-transparent blue glass that emits a unique glow when light passes...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Set of 8 “Trumpet” Silver Candle Holders by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus Oy
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in Karis, Nyland
Elegant set of eight sculptural candle holders designed by Tapio Wirkkala, featuring the iconic trumpet form. Each piece rises from a wide, stable base into a slender, tapering stem ...
Silver
Tapio Wirkkala Iceberg Still Mold Blown Crystal Vase 3825
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in New York, NY
Tapio Wirkkala still-mold blown crystal "Iceberg" vase. Hand Incised signature to underside: [Tapio Wirkkala 3825]. Measures 7¾ H × 8 W × 7 D in...
Crystal
Tapio Wirkkala, Vase, Glass, Finland, 1950s
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in High Point, NC
A sizeable cut and polished glass vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala and produced by Iittala, Finland, 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 6.5"H x 4.5"W x 4.0"D All items ship from Hi...
Glass
Tapio Wirkkala Mid-Century Modernist "Pallas" Art Glass Vase
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Downingtown, PA
Tapio Wirkkala Mid-Century Modernist "Pallas" art glass vase, 1984-95 From a collection of Wirkkala glass vessels-ask for details. Impressive Mid-Century still-molded vase cast ...
Glass
Tapio Wirkkala Polipo Venini Plate Murano Sculpture, 1990
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Paris, IDF
Rare beautiful Tapio Wirkkala “Polipo” plate for Venini, from the serie “Piatti di Tapio” signed and dated Venini TW 90 on the back, made of Murano glass using Incalmo technique. The...
Murano Glass
The Arctic Edge: Tapio Wirkkala's Sculptural 'Inari' Ice Glass Bowl
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Downingtown, PA
The Arctic Edge: Tapio Wirkkala's Sculptural 'Inari' Ice Glass Bowl This striking, low-profile Glass Bowl is a key piece in the body of work created by Finnish design master Tapio W...
Glass
Rare Art Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1950s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Rare Art Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1950s A vintage art glass vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Glassworks in the 1950s. Mold blown crystal clear glass with ...
Art Glass
Vintage Art Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, 1954
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Art glass vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1954 A large vintage art glass vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Glassworks in ...
Art Glass
Large Venini Plate 'Coreano', Designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1966
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Venini Plate 'Coreano', Designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1966 A blue and green a fasce a spirale plate from the Coreani series. Designed in 1966 by Tapio Wirkkala for Venini. Pro...
Art Glass
Venini Bolle 503.00 Glass Vase, Pink, Green & Red - Tapio Wirkkala - Damiani
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Venini Design: Tapio Wirkkala Model: Bubbles 503.00 Collection: Bubbles Year: 1966 Made in: Italy Create a magical atmosphere with a unique piece of Murano glass. The Bolle c...
Glass
Venini Medium Bolle Glass Vase in White and Green by Tapio Wirkkala
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase in white and green designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1966. Perfect for indoor home decor as container or statement piece for any room...
Art Glass
Large Venini Vase 'Coreano', Designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1966
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Venini Vase 'Coreano', Designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1966 A blue and green a fasce a spirale vase from the Coreani series. Designed in 1966 by Tapio Wirkkala for Venini. Produ...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Mid-Century Tapio Wirkkala “Paper Bag" Vase For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in London, GB
For sale is an iconic Mid-Century porcelain “Paper Bag" Vase designed by Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala, circa 1977, for Rosenthal’s Studio Line "DO NOT LITTER" range. This example...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Venini Bolle Glass Vase in Pink and White by Tapio Wirkkala
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bolle Glass vase series, designed by Tapio Wirkkala and manufactured by Venini, was originally designed in 1966. Iconic masterpieces available in 5 different shapes. Indoor use only....
Glass
Tapio Wirkalla for Iitalla Finnish Modern Pinus Pine Crystal Glass Vase 1970s
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Vintage crystal glass vase entitled Pinus or Pine created by Tapio Wirkalla for Iitalla circa 1970. Inspired by natures organic forms of wood and ice. In very good vintage conditi...
Glass
Venini Bolle Tall Glass Vase in Grey and Blue-Green by Tapio Wirkkala
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase in grey and blue-green designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1966. Perfect for indoor home decor as container or statement piece for any room. Dimensions: 10 cm diameter...
Art Glass
Large Mid-Century Modern Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Impressive, statuesque glass vase by Finnish designer, Tapio Wirkkala, for Rosenthal Studio-Line of Germany. Composed of thick glass sculpted to look like ice. Largest example manufa...
Glass
Venini Bolle 502.01 Glass Vase, Pagliesco & Red - Design Tapio Wirkkala
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Venini Design: Tapio Wirkkala Model: Bubbles 502.01 Collection: Bubbles Year: 1966 Made in: Italy Create a magical atmosphere with a unique piece of Murano glass. The Bolle c...
Glass
Venini Piatto Di Tapio Plate in Gray and Aquamarine by Tapio Wirkkala
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini Piatto Di Tapio in gray/aquamarine by Tapio Wirkkala. Numbered Edition for year. “Piatto di Tapio” blown plate with thick handmade center, realized with the “incalmo” techniqu...
Glass
Set of 3 Original 1977 Tapio Wirkkala "Paper Bag" Ceramic Vases for Rosenthal
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of 3 original 1977 Tapio Wirkkala "Paper Bag" Ceramic Vases for Rosenthal. Great condition. Marked 'Rosenthal' 'Studio Linie' and 'Germany'. Measurements Large: 19,5 cm x 12,...
Ceramic, Porcelain
VENINI Coreani Blue & Green year 1991, handmade in Italy
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
Located in Venezia, IT
VENINI Coreani Green & Blue year 1991, signed on the base, and accompanied by its original Venini box and paperwork. The Venini Coreani vase in Green & Blue is a striking ex...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$1,701Sale Price|20% Off
Tapio Wirkkala Vintage Blue and Transparent Glass Vase for Venini
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
Located in Milano, IT
Splendid glass vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala for the prestigious Italian manufacturer Venini. The designer's signature is clearly visible on the bottom. The vase has a very simple...
Glass