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.
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
Set of 8 “Trumpet” Silver Candle Holders by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus Oy
By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
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 Pair of Trumpet Candle Holders In Silver, Kultakeskus Oy 1980s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
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...
Silver
‘Stellaria’ Candle Tealight Holder by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, 1970s
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in London, GB
Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, c. 1970 ‘Stellaria’ candle tealight holder Clear textured glass Excellent condition Dimensions, approx..: Diameter 10.5cm, height 6.5cm, weight 2...
Blown Glass
‘Stellaria’ Candle Tealight Holder by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, 1970s
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, c. 1970, this ‘Stellaria’ candle tea light holder is just perfect. The clear textured glass is lovely, and the opening is the exact size to ho...
Art Glass
$460Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of "Avena" Ice Glass Vases by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala of Finland
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in San Diego, CA
A great pair of "Avena" ice glass vases by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala of Finland, circa 1970s. Both vases are signed and numbered on the underside and are in excellent used condi...
Glass
Set of 8 Tapio Wirkkala Trumpet Candle Holders In Silver, Kultakeskus Oy, 1980s
By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
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, ...
Silver
$240Sale Price / set|20% Off
1960s Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Glass Candleholder Set
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a pair of glass candleholders designed by Tapio Wirkkala, Finnish designer for Rosenthal Germany Rosenthal. Dimensions: 3.5 h x 5 diameter Please visit tak...
Art Glass
Scandinavian Modern Brutalist Iittala Aslak Tea light Holder by Tapio Wirkkala
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Chicago, IL
Tapio Wirkkala designed this ASLAK heavy glass votive or tea light candle holder which was produced by Iittala in the 1970s. The outer walls of the vessel have the thick and textured...
Art Glass
Unusual Pair Danish Modern Candlesticks by Tapio Wirkkala . Original Purple
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual Pair Danish Modern Candlesticks by Tapio Wirkkala . Original paint , finish / patina,, Retains original label. Great color and form.
Wood
$1,400Sale Price / set|46% Off
H 2.5 in W 3.5 in D 4.5 in
Tapio Wirkkala Pair of 'Leaf' Dishes in Silver for Kultakeskus Oy, 1959 - 1960
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant pair of leaf form dishes, models TW-5 (l.) and TW-4 (r.), designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus Oy. Both are in fine condition with all requisite hallmarks and "TW" s...
Silver
Set of Four Swedish Folk Art Rooster Candle Holders, 1980s
Located in Frederiksberg C, DK
Set of Four Swedish Folk Art Rooster Candle Holders, 1980s Charming set of four Swedish folk art candle holders, crafted in the 1980s and shaped as stylised roosters. Made from soli...
Wood
$670
H 21.26 in W 6.7 in D 5.12 in
Brutalist Wall Candle Holder by Erkki Hovi for Finn Atelier Oy, Finland, 1970s
Located in Göteborg, SE
Bring sculptural drama and Nordic craftsmanship to your interior with this striking Brutalist wall-mounted candle holder, designed by Finnish artist Erkki Hovi and crafted by Finn At...
Pine
$320 / set
H 7.5 in W 6.5 in D 2.2 in
Pair of Sculptural Brass and Black Ring Candle Holders, Postmodern, 1980s
Located in Toronto, CA
Strikingly architectural and refined, this pair of Postmodern candleholders exemplifies the sculptural sophistication of 1980s European design. Each piece features a bold black circu...
Metal, 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 large art glass bowl, designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Glassworks in the 1...
Art Glass
$185Sale Price / item|67% Off
H 9.25 in W 6 in D 4 in
Tapio Wirkkala Large Pinja Crystal Vase for Iittala Finland, Scandinavian Modern
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Beautiful Pinja vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala and made in Finland by Iittala. This heavy and high quality crystal vase is hand blown with a flat and polished asymmetrical rim and ...
Crystal
$546Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 13.78 in W 5.12 in D 3.15 in
Matthew Hilton. Brutalist candle holders, England, 1980s
By Matthew Hilton
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Brutalist candlesticks by Matthew Hilton, England, 1980s, set of 2. Sculptural shapes made of aluminium. Totally timeless pieces for any current interior with a classic or contempora...
Aluminum
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
Finger Art Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1951
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Finger Art Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1951 A vintage 'Jäkälä' (lichen or finger) vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Glassworks in 1...
Art Glass
$2,683Sale Price|20% Off
H 8.67 in W 2.76 in D 2.76 in
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
Memphis Style 1980s Metal Stick Person Candle Holders
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage 1980s memphis style stick person black metal candle holder. The stick person holds a wine glass in one hand and there is a candle holder in the other hand. Quirky wavy hair...
Metal
Ice Glass Bowl "Lunaria" by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1972
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A vintage "Lunaria" bowl designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Glassworks in 1972. Marked with etched signature 'TAPIO WIRKKALA' on the rim. Iittala model number 3449. An authentic ...
Art Glass
Sold
H 9.06 in Dm 5.52 in
Set Of Three Tapio Wirkkala Bronze Candle Holders TW 486, Kultakeskus Oy 1970s
By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful sculptural set of three bronze candle holders designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus Hämeenlinna in Finland. This set includes three different heights – 13cm, 18cm, a...
Bronze
1970s Iittala Tapio Wirkkala Glass Candleholder Set Finland
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a pair candleholders or votives by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala. Clear art glass taper, Finland Circa the 1970s Dimensions: 1.75 H x 3 diameter. Candle .75 di...
Art Glass
Pair of Model TW 189 Candlesticks, Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus OY, 1970s
By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Pair of model TW 189 candlesticks, designed by Tapio Wirkkala, manufactured by Kultakeskus OY, 1970s. Bronze. Marked. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. The ...
Bronze
Tapio Wirkkala Candle Holders
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Collonge-Bellerive, GE
Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) was a renowned Finnish designer and sculptor known for his contributions to the world of design, particularly in glass and ceramic works. Tapio Wirkkala ...
Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 2.63 in Dm 4.25 in
1970s Iittala Stellaria Votive Candle Holders Art Glass Tapio Wirkkala Finland
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Iittala Stellaria Votive Candle Holder Art Glass by Tapio Wirkkala Finland Crystal icicle art glass Selling as a pair 4.25 diameter x 2.63 h Preowned original vintage condi...
Art Glass
Sold
H 6 in W 3.75 in D 2.75 in
Studio Line White Porcelain "Bag" Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal
By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice of mid-century Studio Line white porcelain "bag" vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal, circa 1970s. #2245 These white porcelain crushed paper bags from the "Do Not Litter...
Porcelain
‘Maaru’ Candle Tealight Holder by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, 1970s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in London, GB
Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, c. 1970 ‘Maaru’ candle tealight holder Clear glass Good condition. Some very light staining to inside (from tealight) Dimensions, approx..: diam....
Blown Glass
Set of Vintage Candleholders by Tapio Wirkkala Glass Iittala
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in San Antonio, TX
Signed vintage candleholders #3412 by Tapio Wirkkala Iittala manufactured in Finland. These mid-century candleholders are in great condition.
Glass
Tapio Wirkkala "Sol Lunaire" Metal Candlestick, France, 1959
By Christofle, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Milan, IT
This incredible "Sol Lunaire" candelabra was designed by Tapio Wirkkala and produced by the French silversmith company Christofle in 1959 A celebration of the moon, which can be traced - beside the name - also in the base, which recalls the lunar soil and from which 6 candle holders...
Metal
Finnish Glass Candle Holder 3412 by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, 1960s
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in MIlano, IT
Finnish glass candle holder 3412 by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, 1960s Model 3412 glass candle holder by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala. Each piece is...
Glass
Pair of Ice Glass Candelholders or Bowls Wirkkala for Humppila, 1960s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Humppila
Located in Rijssen, NL
Smaller (Northern Lights) bowls designed by Tauno Wirkkala for Humppila, Finland, circa 1960s. Illuminates beautifully. Measures: Diameter 6 1/4 in. he...
Glass
Set of Ice Glass Candleholders or Bowls Wirkkala for Humppila, 1960s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Humppila
Located in Rijssen, NL
Set of (Northern Lights) bowls designed by Tauno Wirkkala for Humppila, Finland, circa 1960s. Illuminates beautifully. Thick glass in the s...
Glass