Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

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.

Find vintage Tapio Wirkkala furniture on 1stDibs.

Creator: Tapio Wirkkala

Pair of "Avena" Ice Glass Vases by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala of Finland

$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...

Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

Materials

Glass

Set of 6 Tapio Wirkkala TW 486 Brass Candle Holders, Kultakeskus Oy, Finland

$6,274 / set

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...

Category

Late 20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

Materials

Brass

Set of 8 “Trumpet” Silver Candle Holders by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus Oy

$11,154 / set

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 ...

Category

Late 20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

Materials

Silver

Set of 8 Tapio Wirkkala Trumpet Candle Holders In Silver, Kultakeskus Oy, 1980s

$10,271 / set

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 Candlesticks

Materials

Silver

Pair of Tapio Wirkkala Bronze Candle Holders TW 486, Kultakeskus Oy

$1,138 / set

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

Materials

Bronze

1960s Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Glass Candleholder Set

$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...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

Materials

Art Glass

Tapio Wirkkala Pair of Trumpet Candle Holders In Silver, Kultakeskus Oy 1980s

$3,061 / set

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 Candlesticks

Materials

Silver

‘Stellaria’ Candle Tealight Holder by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, 1970s

$95

‘Stellaria’ Candle Tealight Holder by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, 1970s

By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala

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...

Category

1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

Materials

Art Glass

Scandinavian Modern Brutalist Iittala Aslak Tea light Holder by Tapio Wirkkala

$150

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...

Category

1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

Materials

Art Glass

Unusual Pair Danish Modern Candlesticks by Tapio Wirkkala . Original Purple

$799 / set

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.

Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

Materials

Wood

Scandinavian Modern Pair of Candle Holders In Bronze ca 1930-40's

$1,859 / 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...

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

Materials

Bronze

Tapio Wirkkala Pair of 'Leaf' Dishes in Silver for Kultakeskus Oy, 1959 - 1960

$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 Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Organic Modern Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

Materials

Silver

Brutalist Wall Candle Holder by Erkki Hovi for Finn Atelier Oy, Finland, 1970s

$662

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...

Category

1970s Finnish Brutalist Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

Materials

Pine

Tapio Wirkkala, Vase, Glass, Finland, 1950s

$650

H 6.5 in W 4.5 in D 4 in

Tapio Wirkkala, Vase, Glass, Finland, 1950s

By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala

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...

Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

Materials

Glass

Pair of Bronze Verdigris Art Nouveau Sculptural Candle Holders

$650 / set

H 6.5 in W 3.25 in D 3 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...

Category

20th Century Art Nouveau Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

Materials

Bronze

Tapio Wirkkala Large Pinja Crystal Vase for Iittala Finland, Scandinavian Modern

$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 Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala

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 ...

Category

1980s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

Materials

Crystal

Pollo Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Studio Line

$440

H 3.5 in W 4 in D 5 in

Pollo Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Studio Line

By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Beautiful Porcelin Pollo Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Studio Line.

Category

1970s German Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

Materials

Porcelain

Memphis Style 1980s Metal Stick Person Candle Holders

$75

H 14.5 in W 12 in D 5 in

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...

Category

1980s Post-Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

Materials

Metal

Tapio Wirkkala Scandinavian Free Form Glass Vase for IIttala

$950

H 8.75 in W 6.5 in D 5.75 in

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.

Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

Materials

Blown Glass

Set of 3 Danish Brass Wall Candle Holders, 1950s

$950 / set

H 5.12 in W 4.26 in D 3.15 in

Set of 3 Danish Brass Wall Candle Holders, 1950s

Located in Lejre, DK

Set of four wall candelabras in brass and glass. Made in Sweden 1950s. A rare set of three wall-mounted candle holders in solid brass, crafted in Denmark in the mid-20th century. Th...

Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

Materials

Brass

Pair of Brutalist Candle Holders in Patinated Bronze 1960s

$318

H 3.15 in W 3.35 in D 3.35 in

Pair of Brutalist Candle Holders in Patinated Bronze 1960s

Located in Meer, VAN

Pair of Brutalist Candle Holders in Patinated Bronze 1960s. Beautiful pair of brutalist style candle holders in patinated bronze. Heavy quality and execution, very nice brutalist de...

Category

Mid-20th Century European Brutalist Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

Materials

Bronze

Tapio Wirkkala Spiral Silver Dish model 143, Kultakeskus Hämeenlinna, 1973

$2,597

H 1.58 in Dm 11.42 in

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 Candlesticks

Materials

Silver

Previously Available Items

Set Of Three Tapio Wirkkala Bronze Candle Holders TW 486, Kultakeskus Oy 1970s

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...

Category

1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

Materials

Bronze

1970s Iittala Tapio Wirkkala Glass Candleholder Set Finland

Sold

H 1.75 in Dm 3 in

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...

Category

Late 20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

Materials

Art Glass

Pair of Model TW 189 Candlesticks, Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus OY, 1970s

Sold

H 9.26 in Dm 1.78 in

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 ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

Materials

Bronze

Tapio Wirkkala Candle Holders

Sold

H 8.98 in W 5.04 in D 5.52 in

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 ...

Category

1970s Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

Materials

Brass, Bronze

1970s Iittala Stellaria Votive Candle Holders Art Glass Tapio Wirkkala Finland

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...

Category

1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

Materials

Art Glass

Studio Line White Porcelain "Bag" Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

Materials

Porcelain

Tapio Wirkkala "Sol Lunaire" Metal Candlestick, France, 1959

Sold

H 12.6 in W 9.06 in D 7.49 in

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...

Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

Materials

Metal

Pair of Ice Glass Candelholders or Bowls Wirkkala for Humppila, 1960s

Sold

H 5.32 in Dm 7.88 in

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...

Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

Materials

Glass

Set of Ice Glass Candleholders or Bowls Wirkkala for Humppila, 1960s

Sold

H 5.91 in Dm 8.47 in

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...

Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

Materials

Glass

Set of Ice Glass Candleholders or Bowls Wirkkala for Humppila, 1960s

Sold

H 5.91 in Dm 8.47 in

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...

Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

Materials

Glass

Pair of Studio Line "Bag" Vases by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal

Sold

H 7.5 in W 4.75 in D 2.75 in

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Candleholders by Tima Sarpaneva for Iittala, Finland

Sold

H 5 in Dm 2.4 in

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...

Category

1980s Finnish Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Candlesticks

Materials

Glass

Tapio Wirkkala candlesticks for sale on 1stDibs.

Tapio Wirkkala candlesticks 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 candlesticks, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original candlesticks by Tapio Wirkkala were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider candlesticks by Staffan Gellerstedt, Timo Sarpaneva, and Iittala. Prices for Tapio Wirkkala candlesticks can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $57 and can go as high as $10,948, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $575.