Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
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
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Crystal
Tapio Wirkaala "Porcelaine Noire" Dish Plate for Rosenthal Studio Linie, 1970s
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Vintage dish plate in black porcelain designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Studio Linie “Porcelaine Noire” serie with shiny and matte tone-on-tone dec...
Category
1970s German Post-Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Large Venini Bowl 'Coreano', Designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1966
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Venini Bowl 'Coreano', Designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1966
A blue and green a fasce a spirale bowl from the Coreani series. Designed in 1966 by Tapio Wirkkala for Venini. Produ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Tapio Wirkkala Freeform Molded Plywood Tray, 1950s
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in San Diego, CA
Fincraft molded plywood tray designed in the 1950s by Tapio Wirkkala for Soinne et Kni, Helsinki. Embossed stamp on the bottom. Finland
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Plywood
Venini Vase 'Lapponi', Designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1968
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Venini Vase 'Lapponi', Designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1968
A rare vase of the Lapponi (laplanders) series designed in 1968 by Tapio Wirkkala for Venini. Thin red and smoke grey glass...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Art Glass, Murano 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 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Art Glass
Large Venini Vase 'Coreano', Designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1966
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
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...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Rosenthal Studio Line Modulation Coffe Set by Tapio Wirkkala Germany 1970s
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Debrecen, HU
Coffee at an Artistic Level – Tapio Wirkkala's Rosenthal Studio Line Modulation Set
Elevate your coffee experience with this stunning 39-piece Rosenthal Studio Line Modulation coffe...
Category
1970s German Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Tapio Wirkaala "Porcelaine Noire" Centerpiece for Rosenthal Studio Linie, 1970s
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Centerpiece, fruit bowl, plate in black porcelain, vintage modernism,
designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Studio Linie “Porcelaine Noire” serie...
Category
1970s German Post-Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Iittala Ultima Thule 56oz Serving Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Tapio Wirkkala was considered the pioneer of modern Finnish industrial art. Internationally recognized for his glass designs, Wirkkala’s greatest inspiration always came from his native Finland. Wirkkala defied the rules of glassblowing with his iconic Ultima Thule...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Glass
Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Flatware, Extensive 92 Piece Set
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Atlanta, GA
Modernist stainless steel flatware set, designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal, Austria, circa 1963. This is a large set containing 92 pieces total. They are constructed of dishwas...
Category
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Stainless Steel
Tapio Wirkkala Finnish Silver Leaf Shape Handled Bon Bon Dish
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning mid-century Finnish silver leaf shaped handled bon bon dish designed by Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) dated 1965. The dish is of a simple leaf shaped design formed like a hea...
Category
1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Silver
Modern Ultima Thule Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, Finland 7 Glass Bowls
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Miami, FL
Tapio Wirkkala's 1960s Scandinavian Modern creation of Ultima Thule for Iittala, Finland. This design was meant to interpret the melting ice of a snow covered Finnish island. This de...
Category
1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Art Glass
Set of Three "Paper Bag" Stoneware Ceramic Vases by Tapio Wirkkala, 1970s
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare set of three late mid century "paper bag" stoneware vases by Tapio Wirkkala produced by Rosenthal Studio in Germany, 1970s. In good original condition. All signed.
Dimensions: ...
Category
1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Ceramic
Tapio Wirkkala, Tray, Birch Plywood, Finland, 1950s
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in High Point, NC
A birch plywood tray designed by Tapio Wirkkala and produced by Soinne & Knioy, Finland, 1950s
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Birch
Tapio Wirkkala for Ittala Lunaria Ice Block Bowl
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in New York, NY
Nice center bowl designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Ittala. Clear glass with textured ice surface. Original clean and undamaged condition, unsigned.
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Art Glass
1970s Tapio Wirkkala Set of 5 Niva Liquor Shot Glasses Iittala Finland
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Tapio Wirkkala Set of 5 Niva Liquor Shot Glasses Iittala Finland
2.75 h x 2.25 diameter
Preowned vintage condition set of five
Please see all images.
Category
1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Art Glass
Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Porcelain Noir, 1960
By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful cylindrical black matte porcelain vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal/Siemens, with sublime relief of beaded pearls running down vertical lines, gives an impressi...
Category
1960s German Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Tapio Wirkkala Composition Secunda Grey Set 34 Piece
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Geneva, CH
Rare coffee and cake set in Rosenthal (Germany) bone china designed by Tapio Wirkkala, Finland 1963.
6 mocha cups with their saucers
6 coffee cups with their saucers
Coffee pot
Milk jug
Sugar bowl
6 cake plates 20cm...
Category
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Tapio Wirkkala Murano Glass Vase for Venini. Italy 1970s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
Located in Milan, IT
Tapio Wirkkala Blue and Transparent Murano Glass Vase for Venini.
Original Venini Label and Acid Etched Signature.
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Murano Glass
Set of Iittala Ultima Thule Bowls 13 Pieces
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
A set of total 13 pieces. 12 clear glass serving bowls and one large bowl in the Ultima Thule pattern for Iittala Glass Co, Finland.
Very good.
Meas...
Category
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Glass
Vintage Cristal 1960s Vase Mod. 3586 by T. Wirkkala for Karhula- Iittala
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Vintage cristal vase mod. 3586 designed by T. Wirkkala for Karhula- Iittala. Good condition: alone slightly opaque at the edge.
Category
1960s Space Age Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Glass
1970s Three Icicle Art Aslak Whiskey Glasses Iittala Tapio Wirkkala Finland
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Set of 3 Icicle Art Aslak Whiskey Glasses Iittala Tapio Wirkkala Finland
Art Glass
3 diameter x 3.5 h
Preowned original vintage, please refer to images.
Category
1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Art Glass
Ultima Thule Glass Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Ultima Thule Footed Glass Bowl
by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala
Finland, 1968
"a simple way to bring some style to your salad"
"This beautiful “Ultima Thule” Glass Bowl was designed...
Category
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Glass
Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal Studio-Line ‘Modulation’ sauce cream jug, 1960s
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in London, GB
Tapio Wirkkala (Finnish, 1915-1985)
‘Modulation’ sauce jug
Designed c. 1960, produced by Rosenthal, Germany, as part of the Studio-Line series
Ceramic
Excellent condition
L 17 cm, D...
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Ceramic
Freeform Crystal Iceberg Ashtray / Catch All by Tapio Wirkkala Iittala Finland
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous freeform crystal iceberg ashtray / catch all by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Finland, circa 1980s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and meas...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Crystal
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...
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Ceramic
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 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Art Glass
Set of Three "Paper Bag" Stoneware Ceramic Vases by Tapio Wirkkala, 1970s
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare set of three of late mid century "paper bag" stoneware vases in beige / light brown by Tapio Wirkkala produced by Rosenthal Studio in Germany, 1970s. In good original condition....
Category
1970s German Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Stoneware
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....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Glass
Set of 3 1970s Icicle Art Aslak Highball Glasses by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of 3 Icicle Art Aslak Highball or Beer Glasses designed by Tapio Wirkkala for renowned Finnish glass company Iittala. Gorgeous design conjuring icy beauty.
The glasses are in pe...
Category
1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Glass, Art Glass
Set of 5 Vintage Finnish Glass Plates Solaris by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Finnish Glas Plates Solaris by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, Set of 5, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979 Official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs, d...
Category
20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Glass
"Studio Line" White Porcelain Tea Pot by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-Century Modern "Studio Line" white porcelain tea pot by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condi...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
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 Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Glass
Tapio Wirkkala Footed Art Glass Bowl for Iittala
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Toledo, OH
Spectacular large cut and blown-molded sculptural footed bowl cast in clear glass by Finnish artist and designer Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) for Iittala. Model number 3543. This piece...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Glass
Vintage Art Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, 1954
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
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 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Art Glass
Tapio Wirkkala Mid-Century Glass Footed Bowl, Inari Pattern
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Downingtown, PA
Tapio Wirkkala glass footed bowl,
Inari,
Model number 3543.
Impressive cut and blown-molded footed bowl cast in clear glass by Finnish artist and designer, Tapio Wirkkala. Mode...
Category
Late 20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Glass
Tapio Wirkkala Cup Filigrana for Venini Murano Signed, 1980s
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Milano, IT
Rare Murano hand blown dark amethyst/black "Filigrana Nera" cup. Excellent and very fine cylindrical cup with "black filigree" designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Venini, Murano, circa 19...
Category
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Murano Glass
1956 SIGNED Tapio Wirkkala Combed Crystal Art Objects by Littala (4 Pieces)
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in North Miami, FL
These etched SIGNED Tapio Wirkkala combed cut crystal grouping of bowls and cup are styled after large leaves which was one of Wirkkala's favorite motifs to use in his art glass. One flat bowl is higher than the other slightly and all have texture from the combed cut technique. Heavy and important collection.
Dimensions: Flat bowls are 6 inches wide 7.25 long and 1.25 high, small canoe style dish is 6.5 inches long 3 inches wide, 2.25 inches high, small cup is 3.25 inches diameter and 2.25 inches tall.
BIOGRAPHY: 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...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Crystal
Tapio Wirkkala Lead Crystal Glass Bowl with Incised Geometric Design
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Ferndale, MI
Large low thick glass bowl with incised geometric designs. Signed Tapio Wirkkala with hardly legible number.
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Crystal
4 Iittala of Finland Aslak Tapio Wirkkala Beer Glasses New in Box 60's VW Promo
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare set of 4 original iittala of Finland Aslak 14 1/2 ounce tall beer glasses. and date from the 1960's. These are new old stock and have never been u...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Glass
TAPIO WIRKKALA 1962 Finland Modernist Sculptural Dish-Tray in .916 Sterling
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in Miami, FL
Modern sculptural tray designed by Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985).
Fabulous and very rare modernist tray dish, designed by the silversmith artist Tapio Wirkkala, back in the 1955. The sculptural tray has been crafted by Kultakeskus Oy in the city of Oulu, Finland in the shape of a boat in solid .916/.999 sterling silver with high polished finish. The incredible design is dated 1962 and is made up with a navette shaped piece, with several embossed levels in low and high elliptical with an elliptical hammered recess and an elliptical convex base, which create a fabulous optical effect. This tray is beautiful and elegant piece by one of the great 20th century designers is in lovely condition. It is a piece of sculptural art and will display with great eye appeal.
Note: This is the model TW-114.
Weight: 186.2 Grams, (119.40 Dwt).
Measurements: 95 mm by 301 mm by 26 mm (3.75 x 11.85 x 1.04 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped and engraved with the Finnish crown mark; the maker's mark, the mark for the assay of the .916 silver, the code for the date of production of 1962, the mark for the town of Oulu and signed in full, "TAPIO WIRKKALA 916H 1-7".
Tapio Wirkkala
Wirkkala was born in Hanko in 1915. He attended the Töölö co-educational school in Helsinki. His father, Ilmari Wirkkala, was a cemetery architect, and mother Selma (née Vanhatalo) a wood-carver. His sister Helena Korvenkontio and brother Tauno Wirkkala were also artists. Wirkkala's work ranges from designs of plastic ketchup bottles and metalwork to glass, ceramics and plywood in a range of styles. His success as a glass designer began in 1946 when he designed the Kantarelli vase for Iittala, and the mass-produced Tapio collection was launched in 1954. His range was immense, including glassware, stoneware, jewellery, and furniture for mass production, as well as individual sculptures in several media. He designed commemorative postage stamps for the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, and also designed the Finnish markka banknotes introduced in 1955. In the early 1950s, Wirkkala worked as the artistic director at the Helsinki Central School of Industrial Design. The WIR lightbulb designed by Wirkkala for Airam Electric was awarded the Grand Prix at the XII Milan Triennial in 1960.
Among his most famous work have been the designs for the Finlandia vodka bottle (1970–1999) and for Iittala's Ultima Thule set of kitchen glasses. Both glassware items feature a dripping icicle look, and in the case of the Iittala's glassware it is said to have taken thousands of hours to develop a glassblowing technique that would produce the effect. Wirkkala did much of his initial design work using a traditional Finnish carving knife, the puukko. Wirkkala designed his own version of the knife, the Tapio Wirkkala Puukko...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
Sculptural Swedish Modern Teak "Gondola" Tray by Tapio Wirkkala for Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gondola-form teakwood tray manufactured in the 1960s by Tapio Wirkkala for Kalmar of Sweden.
Elegant, graceful form with rich color and vibrant teakwood grain.
Conservatively ref...
Category
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Teak
'Karelia' Porcelain Leaf-Pattern Dish by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal, 1970s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal
Located in London, GB
Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal, c. 1970
‘Karelia’ leaf-pattern dish
White porcelain
Very good condition with only very minor marks
Dimensions, approx..:
lenght 28cm, width 9cm...
Category
1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Ceramic
Ice Glass Vase / bowl / centerpiece by Tapio Wirkkala for Humppila, 1960s
By Humppila 1, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Buffalo, NY
Ice Glass Vase / bowl / centerpiece by Tapio Wirkkala for Humppila, 1960s,, Stunning brutalist design,, Amazing blue color,, Retains original label.
Category
1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Art Glass
Tapio Wirkkala Kinetic Silver Moon Hopeakuu Pendant, 1974
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hopeakuu (Finnish: silver moon) sterling pendant designed by Tapio Wirkkala, comprising nine concentric rings that move independently around a small orb at ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Sterling Silver
Tapio Wirkkala Handmade & Hammered Silver Boat Model TW 9, Kultakeskus 1959
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
Tapio wirkkala was an exceptionally talented designer regardless of the materials used. Although he established super stardom with his art glass objects in the 1950s by winning a num...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Silver
Tapio Wirkkala Glass Tray Model 3369-3869 by Iittala in Finland
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare glass tray model 3369-3869 designed by Tapio Wirkkala. Produced by Iittala in Finland. Signed and dated TAPIO WIRKKALA IITTALA -58.
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
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 Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
1970's Tapio Wirkkala 4 Niva Whiskey glasses + Seita Ice Bucket Iittala Finland
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Set of 4 'new' old stock Whiskey 'Niva' Series glasses in original box by Iittalia Finland and a matching 'Seita' ice bucket
The perfect gift set for your husband or to impress you...
Category
1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Glass, Art Glass
8 Ultima Thule Glasses Designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, Rare
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Doraville, GA
A set of 8 "highball" or "beer" glasses designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala. The glass pattern is called Ultima Thule.
"The Iittala Ultima Thule...
Category
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Glass
Tapio Wirkkala Velvet Art Glass Vase "Jäkälä" model 3516, Iittala 1950s Finland
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful art glass vase model 3516, designed by Tapio Wirkkala and manufactured by Iittala in Finland in the 1950s. In the manufacturing process the glass is blown in to a special...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Art Glass
Tapio Wirkkala, Set of Silver Pitchers and Cups, 18 Pieces, Finland 1970s
By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Amarillo, TX
Tapio Wirkkala.
Set of silver pitchers and cups, 18 pieces.
Kultakeskus Oy, Hämeenlinna, Finland. Marked with makers mark, Finnish assay mark, 925H, Hämeenlinna town mark, ye...
Category
1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Sterling Silver
Set of 28 Vintage Composition Secunda Grau Coffee Service by Tapio Wirkkala
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage German Composition Secunda Grau Coffee Service by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal, Set of 28, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979 This piece has an attribution mark.
...
Category
20th Century German Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Ceramic
Set of Serving Cutlery Designed by Tapio Wirkkala, Finland, 1950s
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Stockholm, SE
Set of serving cutlery designed by Tapio Wirkkala, Finland, 1950s.
A set of serving spoons and olive forks.
Measures: Forks:
L 26 cm/ 10 1/8"
Spoons...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Wood
Glass Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala glassworks
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A beautifully executed vessel or ice bowl in the form of a drinking glass having an organic free-form base evocative of winter ice.
Category
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Glass
Set of 4 1970s Icicle Art Aslak Whiskey Glasses by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of 4 Icicle Art Aslak Whiskey Glasses designed by Tapio Wirkkala for renowned Finnish glass company Iittala. These are small and could also be shot or aperitif glasses.
Perfect ...
Category
1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Glass, Art Glass
1960's Tea Set For Six Persons by Tapio Wirkkala And Ute Schröder For Rosenthal
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Elegant porcelain coffee and tea set designed by Tapio Wirkkala and Ute Schröder for Rosenthal, Germany. Part of the ‘Composition’ series, model 1350, featuring the charming ‘Granat’...
Category
1960s German Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Tapio Wirkkala serveware, ceramics, silver and glass for sale on 1stDibs.
Tapio Wirkkala serveware, ceramics, silver and glass 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 serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 117 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 1 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original serveware, ceramics, silver and glass 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 serveware, ceramics, silver and glass by Kaj Franck, Nuutajärvi Notsjõ, and Timo Sarpaneva. Prices for Tapio Wirkkala serveware, ceramics, silver and glass can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $95 and can go as high as $22,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,603.
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