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.
Pair of Tapio Wirkkala “Trumpetti” 830 Silver Candlesticks for Kultakeskus
By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in San Diego, CA
An elegant pair of “Trumpetti” candlesticks designed by celebrated Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus Oy. These sculptural candleholders embody the flowing lines and res...
Silver
Set of 6 Tapio Wirkkala TW 486 Brass Candle Holders, Kultakeskus Oy, Finland
By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
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
$460Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of "Avena" Ice Glass Vases by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala of Finland
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
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
Pair of Tapio Wirkkala Bronze Candle Holders TW 486, Kultakeskus Oy
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful pair of bronze candle holders designed by Tapio Wirkkala in the 1970s for Kultakeskus Hämeenlinna in Finland. The proportions are very intentional, and typical of Wirkka...
Bronze
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 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
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, ...
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
$1,832 / set
H 2.37 in W 2.92 in D 2.92 in
Scandinavian Modern Pair of Candle Holders In Bronze ca 1930-40's
Located in Örebro, SE
Scandinavian Modern Pair of Candle Holders In Bronze ca 1930-40's. Unsigned. Good vintage condition, wear and patina consistent with a...
Bronze
$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
$625 / set
H 6.5 in W 3.25 in D 3 in L 6.5 in
Pair of Bronze Verdigris Art Nouveau Sculptural Candle Holders
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Pair of vintage candle holders features cast bronze construction with striking floral stems and bases supporting conical candle holders with flared out rims. The stems are sculpted a...
Bronze
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
$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
Tapio Wirkkala Large Patinated Bronze Dish Model TW 479, Finland, 1970s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in La Teste-de-Buch, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Large bronze dish or tray by Tapio Wirkkala. Model TW479 Made by Kultakeskus Oy in Finland in the 1970s Oustanding heavy patina on the bronze Signed Could be polished.
Bronze
$2,551
H 1.58 in Dm 11.42 in
Tapio Wirkkala Spiral Silver Dish model 143, Kultakeskus Hämeenlinna, 1973
By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
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
$2,596Sale 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
Tapio Wirkkala / VASE / Iittala
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
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
Tapio Wirkkala's Snail bowl in silver
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A great little solid silver handworked "snail" bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus Oy.
Silver
$280Sale Price|20% Off
H 8.5 in W 3.5 in D 3.5 in
Italian Green Marble Architectural Candle Holders Circa 1980s
By Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautifully shaped organic Green Marble candle holders Circa 1980s. Candlesticks have a great clean architectural design that is versati...
Marble
Tapio Wirkkala Scandinavian Free Form Glass Vase for IIttala
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
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
$7,152 / set
H 1.58 in W 1.97 in D 4.34 in
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
1970s Tapio Wirkkala Vase Art Glass Iittala Finland
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents 1970s Scandinavian Iittala Crystal Vase Art Glass Tapio Wirkkala Finland IIttala Pinus Pattern Glass Ice Vase. 6.5 x 4.5 x 4 d Preowned vi...
Art Glass
Vintage Art Glass Vase Varsanjalka by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1956
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Art Glass Vase Varsanjalka by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1956 A vintage art glass vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Glassworks in 1951, produced in 1956. Name of t...
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 Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
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 Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
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 Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
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 Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
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 Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
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
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
Pair of Ice Glass Candelholders or Bowls Wirkkala for Humppila, 1960s
By Humppila, Tapio Wirkkala
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 Humppila, Tapio Wirkkala
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
Set of Ice Glass Candleholders or Bowls Wirkkala for Humppila, 1960s
By Humppila, Tapio Wirkkala
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
Pair of Studio Line "Bag" Vases by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in San Diego, CA
A pair of midcentury Studio Line "bag" vases by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal, circa 1970s. These white porcelain crushed paper bags from the "Do Not Litter" collection by Rosenth...
Porcelain
Pair of Candleholders by Tima Sarpaneva for Iittala, Finland
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Rijssen, NL
This pair of square candleholders designed by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala, Finland are heavy, substantial and gorgeous. With large and small suspended bubbles and wrinkled glass, they...
Glass
Pair of Studio Line "Bag" Vases by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in San Diego, CA
A pair of midcentury Studio Line "bag" vases by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal, circa 1970s. These white porcelain crushed paper bags from the "Do Not Litter" collection by Rosenth...
Porcelain
Set of Three Bowls or Candlesticks by Wirkkala for Littala, Finland, 1970s
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Rijssen, NL
Set of bowls or candleholders by Iittala, Finland, 1970s. Molded clear glass. Designed by iconic Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala. Great ice / bark textured pieces. Inspired be the...
Art Glass
Set of Ice Glass Candleholders or Bowls Wirkkala for Humppila, 1960s
By Humppila, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Rijssen, NL
Set of (Northern Lights) bowls designed by Tauno Wirkkala for Humppila, Finland, circa 1960s. Illuminates beautifully. Thick glass in the shape of upright ice crystals. The crystals ...
Glass