Tapio Wirkkala Ashtrays

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.

Creator: Tapio Wirkkala

Freeform Crystal Iceberg Ashtray / Catch All by Tapio Wirkkala Iittala Finland

$200Sale Price|20% Off

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 Ashtrays

Materials

Crystal

1960s Tapio Wirkkala Set of 4 Iittala Highball Tumbler Glasses Finland

$120Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 6.88 in Dm 2.38 in

1960s Tapio Wirkkala Set of 4 Iittala Highball Tumbler Glasses Finland

By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, a Set of 4 Glasses Highball Tumbler designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala. Finland, Scandinavian modern. No signature visible. Dimensions: 2.38 Diameter x 6...

Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Ashtrays

Materials

Glass

Tapio Wirkkala Line-engraved Vase Model 3327, Iittala 1950s Finland

$1,200

H 3.15 in Dm 5.12 in

Tapio Wirkkala Line-engraved Vase Model 3327, Iittala 1950s Finland

By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala

Located in Helsinki, FI

A beautiful Line-engraved art glass vase model 3327, designed by Tapio Wirkkala and manufactured by Iittala in Finland in the 1950s. in the manufacturing process the glass is blown i...

Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Ashtrays

Materials

Art Glass

Tapio Wirkkala Glass Iittala Finland Liqueur Cocktail Glass

$37

H 4 in Dm 3.25 in

Tapio Wirkkala Glass Iittala Finland Liqueur Cocktail Glass

By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, a Tapio Wirkkala liqueur cocktail glass for Iittala, Finland . Dimensions: 4" H x 3.25" diameter. Please visit take a look at our listings, we have an ama...

Category

1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Ashtrays

Materials

Glass

Vintage Art Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1967

$425

H 9.06 in Dm 4.73 in

Vintage Art Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1967

By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala

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 Ashtrays

Materials

Art Glass

1970s Tapio Wirkkala Set of 5 Niva Liquor Shot Glasses Iittala Finland

$150 / set

H 2.75 in Dm 2 in

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 Ashtrays

Materials

Art Glass

1970's Tapio Wirkkala 4 Niva Whiskey glasses + Seita Ice Bucket Iittala Finland

$600

H 3.55 in Dm 3.55 in

1970's Tapio Wirkkala 4 Niva Whiskey glasses + Seita Ice Bucket Iittala Finland

By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala

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 Ashtrays

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Glass Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala glassworks

$450

H 4.25 in Dm 4.75 in

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 Ashtrays

Materials

Glass

Tapio Wirkkala Line-engraved Mushroom Vase 3552 Iittala 1955, Finland

$2,119

H 3.94 in Dm 5.12 in

Tapio Wirkkala Line-engraved Mushroom Vase 3552 Iittala 1955, Finland

By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala

Located in Helsinki, FI

A beautiful Line-engraved art glass vase model 3552 designed by Tapio Wirkkala and manufactured by Iittala in Finland in the 1955. Minimalist glass sculpture mimicking and named Tatt...

Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Ashtrays

Materials

Crystal

Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala – “Tapio” Glassware Service

$5,100 / set

H 23.63 in W 27.56 in D 27.56 in

Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala – “Tapio” Glassware Service

By Tapio Wirkkala

Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR

Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala – “Tapio” Glassware Service Complete 36-Piece Set Original Boxes Made in Finland A rare opportunity to acquire an exceptionally complete and beautifully ...

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Ashtrays

Materials

Crystal

Iittala Ultima Thule 56oz Serving Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala

$95

H 3.5 in Dm 7.9 in

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 Ashtrays

Materials

Glass

Tapio Wirkkala Melting Ice Vase, Miracus Model 3433, Iittala 1970s Finland

$1,978

H 6.89 in W 11.82 in D 11.42 in

Tapio Wirkkala Melting Ice Vase, Miracus Model 3433, Iittala 1970s Finland

By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala

Located in Helsinki, FI

A beautiful art glass vase "Miracus", model 3433, designed by Tapio Wirkkala and manufactured by Iittala in Finland in the 1970s. The vase is mouth blown into an engraved wooden mold...

Category

1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Ashtrays

Materials

Art Glass

Tapio Wirkkala Leaf Plate 1950s Signed Finland Original

$1,009

H 2.37 in W 10.24 in D 8.86 in

Tapio Wirkkala Leaf Plate 1950s Signed Finland Original

By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala

Located in Espoo, FI

Leaf platter, model 3337, designed by Tapio Wirkkala, manufactured by Iittala. The platter is signed "Tapio Wirkkala Iittala -57". In good used condition.

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Ashtrays

Materials

Glass

Previously Available Items

Silver ashtray by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus

Sold

H 0.6 in W 2.17 in D 3.55 in

Silver ashtray by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus

By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala

Located in PARIS, FR

This silver ashtray, designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1957 for Kultakeskus Oy, stands out for its sleek and refined design. Although versatile, it is particularly popular as a detached ...

Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Ashtrays

Materials

Sterling Silver

Tapio Wirkkala Desk Dish, Model TW 488

Sold

H 1.18 in W 3.9 in D 3.9 in

Tapio Wirkkala Desk Dish, Model TW 488

By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala

Located in Amarillo, TX

Bronze and pinewood bowl by Tapio Wirkkala, model TW 488, handmade to order. Designed in 1958, originally manufactured in different sizes. Kultakeskus Oy, Hämeenlinna, Finland...

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Ashtrays

Materials

Bronze

1950s Finnish Sterling Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus Oy

Sold

H 2.5 in W 4.5 in D 3.75 in

1950s Finnish Sterling Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus Oy

By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A lovely and beautifully rendered small-scaled sterling bowl having a naturalistic stemmed leaf form.

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Ashtrays

Materials

Sterling Silver

Tapio Wirkkala ashtrays for sale on 1stDibs.

Tapio Wirkkala ashtrays are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of stone and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Tapio Wirkkala ashtrays, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original ashtrays by Tapio Wirkkala were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in finland during the 20th century. Prices for Tapio Wirkkala ashtrays can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $250 and can go as high as $595, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $423.