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Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

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.

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Creator: Tapio Wirkkala
Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Two Crystal Line Cut Art-Objects Handblown
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in EL Waalre, NL
Tapio Wirkkala - A set of both sizes crystal art-object, model 3545 - Iittala Finland 1957 & 1958. Two turned mold-blown crystal art-objects with spiraled cut lines. These art-obj...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Crystal

Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Crystal line cut sculptures Handblown ca 1955
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in EL Waalre, NL
Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Crystal line cut sculptures Handblown ca 1955 Two turned mold-blown crystal Art-object with vertical cut lines. Th...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Crystal

Tapio Wirkkala, Vase in Silver & Teak, Model Lekkie, Finland 1960s.
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Berlin, DE
Tapio Wirkkala, 925 silver & teak vase, model TW 228. Excellent condition.
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Sterling Silver

Tapio Wirkkala for Littala 1970's Centerpiece
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Parma, IT
Crystal centerpiece designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1970s. Central part with "ice" effect. In excellent conditions.
Category

1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Glass

21st Century Bolle Glass Vase in Red/Straw-Yellow by Tapio Wirkkala
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in murano, IT
A vase, a bottle. Red and sheer straw yellow. Two distinct spaces of colour created by Tapio Wirkkala that blend together thanks to the "Incalmo" technique, a process by which two pi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Glass

21st Century Bolle Vase in Amber Yellow/Apple Green/Violet by Tapio Wirkkala
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in murano, IT
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Glass

Set of 2 Abstract Op Art Vase Tapio Wirkkala 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 ...
Category

Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Porcelain

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. ...
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Art Glass

21st Century Bolle Glass Vase in Améthyste / Grey by Tapio Wirkkala
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in murano, IT
A vase turns into a graceful bottle. Grey meets Amethyst. Two distinct spaces of colour created by Tapio Wirkkala that blend together thanks to the "Incalmo" technique, a process by ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Glass

Tapio Wirkkala Large Pinja Crystal Vase for Iitala 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 ...
Category

1980s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Crystal

Tapio Wirkkala Silver Vase, 1978
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
About the designer: Tapio Wirkkala has been awarded a great number of Triennale awards, gold medals and special recognitions. He is internationally acclaimed and has used a number of...
Category

1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Silver

Venini Bolle Glass Vase in Pink and White by Tapio Wirkkala
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
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....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

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.
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Glass

Tapio Wirkkala Huge Paper Back Vase for Rosentahl, 1977
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
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...
Category

1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Porcelain

21st Century Bolle Glass Vase in Apple Green/Straw-Yellow by Tapio Wirkkala
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
Located in murano, IT
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

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...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Blown Glass

Large 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 incised signature 'TAPIO WIRKKALA 3449' on the rim. Iittala model number 3449. An auth...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Art Glass

Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, 'Sointi' Clear Glass Vase, 1970, Beautiful Example
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in London, GB
Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, 1970 ‘Sointu’ (Chord) vase Clear glass Excellent condition Engraved signature to underside ‘TW’ This design was in production from 1970 to 1992. D...
Category

1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Blown Glass

German Porcelain Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal, 1980s
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Bochum, NRW
A tall, ovoid shaped white porcelain vase designed in 1970 by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Studio Line ‘Drops’ pattern as the tactile design on its exterior has raised dots, like rai...
Category

1980s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Porcelain

Tapio Wirkkala Large Iittala Glass Vase
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Sharon, CT
The largest version of this famous form. Opaque white and clear glass. Measures: 35 cm. (13 3/4")
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Glass

Ceramic Paper Bag Vase Designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal, Germany, 1970s
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Barcelona, ES
Tapio Wirkkalas playful ceramic paper bag vase in Kraft brown color. Original 1970s edition.
Category

Mid-20th Century German Post-Modern Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Ceramic

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...
Category

1960s German Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

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 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Art Glass

Vintage Murano Glass Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Venini, 1980s signed
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Milano, IT
Murano glass bowl designed by Tapio Wirkkala for the fine Italian manufacturer Venini in the 1980s. The vase is part of the "Coreani" series. The workmanship is particular, in tran...
Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Murano Glass

Vase by Tapio Wirkkala, Scandinavian Midcentury Design, "Kantarelli", Finland
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 ...
Category

20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Blown Glass

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Glass

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 (20 × 20 × 18 cm) Tapio Wirkka...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Crystal

Scsndinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Crystal Line Cut Art Vase Handblown 1957
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in EL Waalre, NL
Tapio Wirkkala, Crystal Line cut Art-Object, model 3551, Iittala, Finland 1957 Artist Tapio Wirkkala (1915 Hanko, Finland - 1985 Helsinki, Finland) A giant of Finnish design, Wir...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Crystal

Tapio Wirkkala, "Pavoni", 1989
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Paris, FR
Tapio Wirkkala 'Pavoni' Vase, c. 1989 Execution: Venini, blown glass, red and cream. Signed: Venini murano, incised signature. (Picture 3 & 4) H : 20 cm (7.9") Overall Very goo...
Category

1990s Finnish Post-Modern Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Glass

Vase Designed by Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus OY, Hämeenlinna, Finland, 1973
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Stockholm, SE
Vase designed by the great artist Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus OY, Hämeenlinna, Finland, 1973. Made in sterling silver. Irregular shape. Stamped, monogram signed. Swedish import stamp...
Category

1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Sterling Silver

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 ...
Category

Late 20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Glass

Tapio Wirkkala Glass Vase Produced by Iittala in Finland
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare glass vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala. Produced by Iittala in Finland.
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Glass

Tapio Wirkkala Vintage Blue and Transparent Glass Vase for Venini
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Milano, IT
Splendid glass vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala for the prestigious Italian manufacturer Venini. The designer's signature is clearly visible on the bottom. The vase has a very simple...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Glass

Glass Vase Sointu by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Vienna, AT
Hand blown midcentury clear vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala in the 1960s for Iittala.
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Glass

Tapio Wirkkala and Dorothy Hafner Vase for Rosenthal
By Dorothy Hafner, Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Oslo, NO
Refreshing vase from the 'Century New Wave' series in porcelain. Designed by Tapio Wirkkala and Dorothy Hafner. Made by Rosenthal from 1985. The vase is an exemplary piece from...
Category

1980s German Post-Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Porcelain

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.
Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Art Glass

1970s German Extra Large Paper Bag Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Paper or plastic or…Wirkkala’s fun and whimsical 1977 Pop Art take on tromp l’oeil, something that is not what it appears to be. Here, a used paper bag ...
Category

1970s German Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Porcelain

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...
Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Crystal

Art Piece No 3894 Limited Edition Glass Sculpture for Iittala by Tapio Wirkkala
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in London, GB
Art Piece No 3894 is a limited edition artwork in clear, light and dark brown by Tapio Wirkkala for iittala. Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) was a multitalented design genius, widely con...
Category

2010s Finnish Modern Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass

Vase Tapio Wirkkala for Venini Attributable, in Blown Lattimio Murano Glass, Set
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Vigonza, Padua
They can be sold separately Midcentury set of two vases Tapio Wirkkala for Venini attributable in blown Lattimio Murano glass. About Tapio Wirkkala: Designed in 1968 by Tapio Wirkk...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Murano Glass

Blown Glass Coreani Vase Designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Venini
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Stamford, CT
A Tapio Wirkkala blown glass Coreani vase produced by Venini. Etched Venini Italia 83 T.W. to underside.
Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Blown Glass

Tapio Wirkkala Glass Vases Kantarelli Produced by Iittala in Finland
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of Kantarelli glass vases designed by Tapio Wirkkala. Produced by Iittala in Finland.
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Glass

Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Massive Art Glass Sculptural Vase, circa 1960s
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
Stunning art glass vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal, inspired by Ice Formations, Rosenthal hallmark on bottom.
Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Glass

Set of Vases Tapio Wirkkala for Venini Attributable in Blown Black Murano Glass
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Vigonza, Padua
They can be sold separately Mid-Century Modern set vases Tapio Wirkkala for Venini attributable in blown black Murano glass. About: Designed in 1968 by Tapio Wirkkala, these bottles...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Murano Glass

Set Vases Tapio Wirkkala for Venini attributable in blown Lattimio Murano Glass
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Vigonza, Padua
They can be sold separately Mid Century set of two Vases Tapio Wirkkala for Venini attributable in blown Lattimio Murano Glass , Designed in 1968 by Tapio Wirkkala, these bottles...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Murano 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, 1950s.
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Blown Glass

"Pollo" Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Studio-Linie, Germany, 1962
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Chorzów, PL
Vase with a unique shape "pollo" model designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Studio-Line in the 60s/70s. of the twentieth century. Made of white matte porcelain. Very good condit...
Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Porcelain

Original Huge 1977 Tapio Wirkkala "Paper Bag" Ceramic Vase for Rosenthal
By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Paper or plastic or…Wirkkala’s fun and whimsical 1977 Pop Art take on tromp l’oeil, something that is not what it appears to be. Here, a used paper bag ...
Category

1970s German Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Vases and Vessels

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Tapio Wirkkala vases and vessels for sale on 1stDibs.

Tapio Wirkkala vases and vessels 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 vases and vessels, although beige editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 83 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 11 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original vases and vessels 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 vases and vessels by Timo Sarpaneva, Alvar Aalto, and Nuutajärvi Notsjõ. Prices for Tapio Wirkkala vases and vessels can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $131 and can go as high as $6,469, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,600.

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