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.
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
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 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
$360Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
Venini Bolle Tall Glass Vase in Grey and Blue-Green by Tapio Wirkkala
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
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
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
$2,707Sale 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 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, 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
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
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
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 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
Venini Bolle 503.01 Glass Vase, Adriatic & Talpa - Design Tapio Wirkkala
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Alcamo, IT
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
Ice Glass Bowl "Lunaria" by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1972
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
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
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
$2,100Sale Price|30% Off
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
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
$3,500Sale Price|26% Off
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
$161Sale Price|54% Off
Wirkkala Textured Art Glass Ice Vase, Finland, 1970s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
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 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
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
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
Venini Small Bolle Glass Vase in White and Red by Tapio Wirkkala
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
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
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
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
Venini Bolle 503.00 Glass Vase, Pink, Green & Red - Tapio Wirkkala - Damiani
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
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
Rare Art Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1950s
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
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
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
$197Sale 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 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
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
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
$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
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
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
Vintage Art Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1967
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
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
Tapio Wirkkala rare Tokio , Marsalkan Sauva glass vase for Littala TW-3590
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
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
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
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 by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, 1954
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
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
Tapio Wirkkala / VASE TW228 / Hopeakeskus / 1964
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
Tapio Wirkkala is one of the pioneers of modern design in Finnish precious metals as well as glass design. Together with Bertel gardberg, he laid the foundations of modern design in...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$360Sale Price / set|20% Off
Vintage "Paper Bag" Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal - 1970's
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Porcelain “Paper Bag” Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Studio-Line, Germany, 1970s A celebrated icon of modern design, this porcelain vase by Finnish master Tapio Wirkkala was p...
Porcelain
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
Tapio Wirkkala Huge Paper Back Vase for Rosentahl, 1977
By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal
Located in Munich, DE
Rare large paper bag vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala and manufactured by Rosenthal, Germany 1977. This vase is made of porcelain (stoneware) and looks like a paper bag. The vase is m...
Porcelain
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
Venini Bolle 502.02 Glass Vase, Amethyst & Talpa - Design Tapio Wirkkala
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Design: Tapio Wirkkala Model: Bubbles 502.02 Collection: Bubbles Year: 1966 Made in: Italy Create a magical atmosphere with a unique piece of Murano glass. The Bolle c...
Glass
Bisque Porcelain Can & Paper Bag Vases by Rosenthal Studio-Line "Do Not Litter"
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in San Diego, CA
Very cool pair of bisque porcelain "pop art" can & paper bag vases by Tapio Wirkkala for the Rosenthal Studio-Line "Do Not Litter" series, circa 1980s. The vases are in very good vi...
Porcelain
Bolle Collection by Tapio Wirkkala for Venini 1966
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
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
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
Vase by Tapio Wirkkala, Finland, Scandinavian Midcentury Design, "Kantarelli"
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in New York, NY
Vase by Tapio Wirkkala, one of the most famous designers in Scandinavia. The vase is signed. It is hand blown. This is the small vase of the group "Kantarelli". The vase is produced ...
Blown Glass
Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Finland Set of 3 Colored Glass Vases
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Set of 3 colored glass vases with bubble in base designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Finland in 1959 and made throughout the 1960s. Tapio Wirkkala signature and model number engra...
Glass
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
Murano Glass Spiral Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Venini, Italy
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, Murano Glass, Blown Glass
Finnish Tapio Wirkkala glass vase
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Finnish Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala This Finnish glass vase, designed by Tapio Wirkkala, features a translucent olive green color. Its design is characterized by a wide, domed base ...
Art Glass
Tapio Wirkkala "Iceberg" Vase 3825
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Toronto, Ontario
The iconic "Iceberg" vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, Finland. This vase is an incredibly heavy still-mould blown solid crystal piece. Created by the Finnish master to resemb...
Crystal
$256Sale Price|20% Off
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
$764Sale Price / set|30% Off
Set of 3 Tapio Wirkkala Line-engraved "Leaf" Glass Art Pieces, Iittala 1950s
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Helsinki, FI
A set of three Tapio Wirkkala leaf art objects / vases for Iittala. The set is of three two different sized pieces from the line engraved series that is ...
Blown Glass
Tapio Wirkkala for Venini 'Coreani' Vases, circa 1970s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
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