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
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
Tapio Wirkkalla for Rosenthal Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Black 'Pollo' Vase
By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal
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
Original 1977 Tapio Wirkkala "Paper Bag" Ceramic Vase for Rosenthal
By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal
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
$2,687Sale 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 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
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
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
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
Pair of Bijou Tapio Wirkkala Comb Engraved Leaf Art Glasses 3337, Iittala 1957
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Helsinki, FI
A small pair of Tapio Wirkkala leaf art objects model 3337 for Iittala. The set is of two slightly different sized pieces from the comb engraved se...
Blown 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 Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal
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
$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
$160Sale Price|54% Off
Wirkkala Textured Art Glass Ice Vase, Finland, 1970s
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
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
Murano Glass Vase Bolle by Tapio Wirkkala for Venini, BMW, Italy
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
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
Venini Bolle 503.01 Glass Vase, Adriatic & Talpa - Design Tapio Wirkkala
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Varedo, MB
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
Brutalist Decorative Glass Vase "Sointu" by Tapio Wirkkala for Littala, 1960's
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Milano, IT
Vintage Vase - Table Decoration - Sculptural Vase Elegant, sculptural and highly decorative vintage vase. Subtle, artistic and beautifully shaped, the vase is made in clear Murano...
Glass, Murano Glass
ROSENTHAL - Tapio Wirkkala - Porcelain 'Paper Bag' Vase - Germany - Circa 1977
By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal
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
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 Wirkkala / VASE / Iittala
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Set of 3 Original 1977 Tapio Wirkkala "Paper Bag" Ceramic Vases for Rosenthal
By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal
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
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
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
Finger Art Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1951
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Finger Art Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1951 A vintage 'Jäkälä' (lichen or finger) vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Glassworks in 1...
Art 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...
Crystal
VENINI Coreani Blue & Green year 1991, handmade in Italy
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
Located in Venezia, IT
VENINI Coreani Green & Blue year 1991, signed on the base, and accompanied by its original Venini box and paperwork. The Venini Coreani vase in Green & Blue is a striking ex...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Large Mid-Century Modern Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
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
Venini Bolle 503.00 Glass Vase, Pink, Green & Red - Tapio Wirkkala - Damiani
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Varedo, MB
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
Two Tapio Wirkkala Line-engraved Glass Art Pieces Model 3561, Iittala, 1950s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Helsinki, FI
Two Tapio Wirkkala Tulip art objects / vases model 3561 for Iittala. As Wirkkala was inspired by nature, these pieces were no exception and he drew his inspiration from emerging tuli...
Blown Glass
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
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, Glass, Finland, 1950s
By 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
Tapio Wirkkala / VASE TW228 / Hopeakeskus / 1964
By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
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
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
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
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...
Porcelain
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
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
Venini Bolle 502.02 Glass Vase, Amethyst & Talpa - Design Tapio Wirkkala
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Varedo, MB
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
$185Sale Price / item|67% Off
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
$1,697Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Glass
Pair of Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Ice Glass Vases
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Rijssen, NL
A wonderful and rare pair clear, molded ice glass vases by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, circa 1970s. Very interesting shape and texture. In good co...
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
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
Venini Bolle 502.01 Glass Vase, Pagliesco & Red - Design Tapio Wirkkala
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Venini Design: Tapio Wirkkala Model: Bubbles 502.01 Collection: Bubbles Year: 1966 Made in: Italy Create a magical atmosphere with a unique piece of Murano glass. The Bolle c...
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.
Glass
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.
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
Venini Bolle 503.02 Glass Vase, Apple Green & Pagliesco - Design Tapio Wirkkala
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Venini Design: Tapio Wirkkala Collection: Bubbles Year: 1966 Made in: Italy Create a magical atmosphere with a unique piece of Murano glass. The Bolle collection by Tapio Wir...
Glass
Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1970s 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.
Glass
Murano Glass Spiral Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Venini, Italy
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
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
"Avena" Ice Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala of Finland
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in San Diego, CA
A gorgeous "Avena" ice glass vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala of Finland, circa 1970s. The vase is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks, signed and numbered on th...
Glass