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.
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
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
$2,743Sale 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
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
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
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
Tapio Wirkkala Purple Lilac Colored Glass Vase for Iittala Finland
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Purple lilac colored glass vase with bubble in base designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Finland in 1959 and made throughout the 1970s. Tapio Wirkkala signature and model number en...
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
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
Kantarelli Art Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, 1951
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Kantarelli Art glass vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, 1951 A large vintage 'Kantarelli' (chantertelle) vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Glassworks in 1951. Mold blown ...
Art Glass
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
Pollo Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Studio Line
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautiful Porcelin Pollo Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Studio Line.
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
Venini Small Bolle Glass Vase in White and Red by Tapio Wirkkala
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase in white and red designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1966. Perfect for indoor home decor as container or statement piece for any room. ...
Art Glass
Art Glass Vase 'Bolle ' by Tapio Wirkkala for Venini, Murano 1966
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
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, Vase, Blown Glass, Finland, 1971
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in High Point, NC
A blown glass vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala and produced by Iittala, Finland, c. 1971. With engraved dedication to bottom. Overall Dimensions (inches): 6.9"H x 7.4"W x 7.0"D All...
Blown Glass
Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Porcelain Wide Mouth Vase, Western Germany, 1960s
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Bochum, NRW
Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal, Germany Wide mouthed vase in white porcelain, ribbed rim, hand painted with fine thin gold lines. Very good used condition. Dimensions: Height 17 cm [6 ...
Porcelain
Venini Medium Bolle Glass Vase in White and Green by Tapio Wirkkala
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
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
Paper Bag Ceramic Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal
By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
A fantastic ceramic vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal, which is truly an iconic piece of Finnish design. It was designed in 1970s and probably produced in the 90s. The internal p...
Ceramic
Set of 2 Original 1977 Tapio Wirkkala ''Paper Bag'' Vases Black Brown, Rosenthal
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Andernach, DE
Design vintage classic by Tapio for Rosenthal, Germany. Set of 2 so called ''Paper Bag'' vases, the brown one, 1977 approx.. It comes with a roughly textured brown paper bag finish and a grey inner. The black vase is a real rarity indeed in this size and colour. It is all black porcelain: the outer matte deep black, the inner glossy, production 1977-1980s approx.. Black model #: 3581/22. Lovely set in great condition. Dimensions small brown vase...
Porcelain
Two Early Vessel Designs by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in San Mateo, CA
Two early designs by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala of Finland. These consist of a vase model number 3287 and a bowl model number 5023. They first appeared in the Iittala catalog in 1948...
Glass
Mid-Century Tapio Wirkkala “Paper Bag" Vase For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal
Located in London, GB
For sale the iconic “Bag Vase”, designed by the great Finnish glassmaker, industrial designer and artist, Tapio Wirkkala, circa 1977, for Rosenthal’s Studio Line "DO NOT LITTER" rang...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Set of 3 Paper Bag Vases by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal, Germany, 1960s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Set of three paper bag vases designed by Tapio Wirkkala and manufactured by Rosenthal, Germany, 1977. The large vase is 15cm high, 10cm wide and 6cm deep. The small vase is 10cm h...
Ceramic
$198Sale Price|20% Off
Set of Five Mid-Century Tapio Wirkkala "Niva" shot glasses for Iittala, Finland
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in London, GB
For sale is a vintage set of five Mid-Century Tapio Wirkkala “Niva" shot or liquor glasses, produced by Iittala, Finland, and designed in 1972. In excel...
Glass, Art 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
Large Venini Vase 'Coreano', Designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1966
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
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
Bolle Collection by Tapio Wirkkala for Venini 1966
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Landscapes of glass and colour. Below and above. Before and after. Bolle ( Bubbles ) transforms air into matter, in two distinct chromatic areas, physically united with the incalmo t...
Murano Glass
Art Glass Vase with Sodium Bubbles Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1940s
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Art Glass Vase with Sodium Bubbles Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1940s A rare art glass vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Glassworks in the 1940s. Free blown crystal clear gl...
Art Glass
Mid-Century Tapio Wirkkala “Paper Bag" Vase For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in London, GB
For sale the iconic “Bag Vase”, designed by the great Finnish glassmaker, industrial designer and artist, Tapio Wirkkala, circa 1977, for Rosenthal’s Studio Line "DO NOT LITTER" rang...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Bolle Vase in Grass Green, Amber-Yellow and Violet by Tapio Wirkkala
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A vase turns into a bottle for Tapio Wirkkala. Apple green, yellow and purple. Three distinct spaces of colour that blend together thanks to the "Incalmo" technique, a process by whi...
Glass
1980s Spiral Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Venini
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
Located in Florence, Tuscany
For serious collector's of Murano glass, this wonderful Spiral Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) was hand-blown in Murano at the Venini furnace in the 1980s. It is part of the well ...
Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Tapio Wirkkala rare Tokio , Marsalkan Sauva glass vase for Littala TW-3590
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very nice and rare tall blown glass vase , made for Little and designed Tapio WIRKKALA , Finland . The vase is almost circular widest is 2.5 base. Signed diamond point Tapio WIRKKALA...
Blown Glass
Set of 8 Tapio Wirkkala Line-engraved Glass Art Pieces, Iittala 1950s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
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,...
Blown Glass
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, Vase, Blown Glass, Finland, 1950s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Ittala
Located in High Point, NC
A blown glass vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala and produced by Iittala, Finland, c. 1950s.
Blown Glass
Tapio Wirkkala, Vase, Glass, Finland, 1960s
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in High Point, NC
A blown glass vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala, and produced by Iittala, Finland, 1960s
Glass
Clear Glass Vase, Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, Finland, circa 1960
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in København, Copenhagen
Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, Finland, circa 1960. Clear glass vase with engraved decoration in the form of stripes. Signed Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala. Dimensions: 13 x 11 cm. In perfect ...
Art Glass
Tapio Wirkkala Glass Vase Model Kantarelli, Produced by Iittala in Finland
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare Kantarelli glass vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala. Produced by Iittala in Finland.
Glass
Bolle Vase in Straw-Yellow and Grass Green by Tapio Wirkkala
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Perfection lies in the middle, striking the perfect balance. A vase turns into a bottle for Tapio Wirkkala. Straw Yellow and Apple Green. Two distinct spaces of colour that blend tog...
Glass
Vintage Art Glass Vase Varsanjalka by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1956
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
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
Large Pinja Crystal Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, Finland, 1988
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Large Pinja Crystal Vase Tapio Wirkkala Iittala, Finland, 1988 Signed and Dated on the bottom "Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) was a multitalented design genius, widely considered a l...
Cut Glass
Tapio Wirkkala Jäkälä (Lichen) or Sormivaasi (Finger) Vase (model 3515)
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Oakland, CA
Tapio Wirrkkala (Finnish 1915-1985) "Finger Vase" 3515, c.1960s designed by Wirrkkala, mold-blown, cased and acid etched 1950-1964 by Iittala of Finland. Translucent glass with an Or...
Glass
Mid-Century Tapio Wirkkala “Paper Bag" Vase For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal
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
Minimalist Oblong "Ovalis" Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful mid-century minimalist oblong "Ovalis" vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, circa 1970's. The vase is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and is made of...
Art Glass
Pair of Lapponi series vases in Murano glass, Tapio Wirkkala for Venini.
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Pair of cylindrical vases belonging to the "Lapponi" series in smoked Murano glass with incalmo-joined red glass neck, designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Venini. The base bears the point...
Murano 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 "Studio Line" White Porcelain Vases by Wirkkala & Feyl for Rosenthal
By Rosenthal, Uta Feyl, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of Rosenthal Studio-Line white bisque porcelain vases with matte finish designed by Tapio Wirkkala (taller vase) and Uta Feyl (round vase) respectively, circa 1970s. Both pieces...
Porcelain
Large Mid-Century Modern Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala
By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal
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
A Rare "Coreani" GLASS VASE by TAPIO WIRKKALA, VENINI MURANO, Italy, 1970
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in PARIS, FR
A large model of the "Coreani" vase by Tapio Wirkkala, Venini Murano, Italy 1970. This beautiful piece in blown glass in the tones of watery green and blue sky, is acid signed Venini...
Blown Glass
Original 1977 Tapio Wirkkala "Paper Bag" Ceramic Vase for Rosenthal
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
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
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
$288Sale Price|46% Off
Scandinavian Modern Blue Glass Vase, Model 3581 By Tapio Wirkkala for IIttala
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Turku, Finland
An elegant example of Scandinavian Modern design, this beautiful vintage glass vase By Tapio Wirkkala, signed and marked with the Model Number 3581. Deep smoky blue/cobalt colour in...
Blown 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
Tapio Wirkkala for Venini 'Coreani' Vases, circa 1970s
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Parma, IT
Pair of Venini vases "Coreani" design Tapio Wirkkala, circa 1970s. In two-tone blown glass with overlapping spirals. Signature engraved on bottom and Venini label...
Murano Glass
Tapio Wirkkala, Vase, Glass, Finland, 1950s
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in High Point, NC
A blown glass vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala and produced by Ittala, Finland, c. 1950s. Dimensions: 5.4” H x 5.6” Diameter
Glass
Mini Filande glass vase Tapio Wirkkala
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Mini Finnish Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala This mini Finnish glass vase, designed by Tapio Wirkkala, is a translucent amber piece with a subtle gradient toward a lighter, almost yello...
Art Glass
Murano Glass Bottle with Stopper by Tapio Wirkkala for Venini
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
Located in Milan, Italy
Murano glass bottle designed by Tapio Wirkkala and produced by Venini. Signed and with original label. Biography Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) became famous in the early 1950s, Followi...
Murano Glass
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
xl 35cm colorful "FLOWER" Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal, Germany, 1970s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Op Art porcelain vase, xxl version Producer: Rosenthal, Germany Designer: Tapio Wirkkala Decade: 1970s This original vintage Op Art vase was produced in the ...
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. Dimensions: 7.25” H x 7.875” W x 7” D
Glass