Skip to main content

Tapio Wirkkala Barware

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.

to
3
7
7
6
1
1
4
1
5
2
5
2
1
1
1
6
1
7
6
1
1
7
7
7
191
260
125
96
84
Creator: Tapio Wirkkala
Tapio Wirkkala Freeform Molded Plywood Tray, 1950s
Tapio Wirkkala Freeform Molded Plywood Tray, 1950s

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 Barware

Materials

Plywood

NOS iittala Finland "ULTIMA THULE" Glass Candle Holder in Box by Tapio Wirkkala
NOS iittala Finland "ULTIMA THULE" Glass Candle Holder in Box by Tapio Wirkkala

NOS iittala Finland "ULTIMA THULE" Glass Candle Holder in Box by Tapio Wirkkala

By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala

Located in St. Louis, MO

Tapio Wirkkala (1915–1985) ULTIMA THULE collection for iittala Finland c. 1968. New old stock glass candle holder still in the original packing with iittala Red I label. Takes 1.5" ...

Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Barware

Materials

Glass

Glass Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala glassworks
Glass Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala glassworks

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 Barware

Materials

Glass

Set of 12 iittala Finland "ULTIMA THULE" Whiskey Glasses by Tapio Wirkkala NOS
Set of 12 iittala Finland "ULTIMA THULE" Whiskey Glasses by Tapio Wirkkala NOS

Set of 12 iittala Finland "ULTIMA THULE" Whiskey Glasses by Tapio Wirkkala NOS

By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala

Located in St. Louis, MO

Tapio Wirkkala (1915–1985) ULTIMA THULE collection for iittala Finland c. 1968. Set of 12 new old stock 7oz bar, rocks or cocktail glasses model Ultima Thule #2032 , still in the or...

Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Barware

Materials

Glass

1970s Swedish Iittala "Seita" Series Frosted Ice Bucket by Tapio Wirkkala
1970s Swedish Iittala "Seita" Series Frosted Ice Bucket by Tapio Wirkkala

1970s Swedish Iittala "Seita" Series Frosted Ice Bucket by Tapio Wirkkala

By Tapio Wirkkala

Located in London, England

1970s ice bucket designed by Tapio Wirkkala, one of the most influential figures in 20th-century Scandinavian design. The ice bucket comes from the "Seita" series—an exploration of ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Barware

Materials

Metal, Chrome

8 Ultima Thule Glasses Designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, Rare
8 Ultima Thule Glasses Designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, Rare

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 Barware

Materials

Glass

Tapio Wirkkala, Set of Silver Pitchers and Cups, 18 Pieces, Finland 1970s
Tapio Wirkkala, Set of Silver Pitchers and Cups, 18 Pieces, Finland 1970s

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, year...

Category

1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Barware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Related Items
Egyptian Serving Tray in Hand Engraved Brass, 1950s
Egyptian Serving Tray in Hand Engraved Brass, 1950s

Egyptian Serving Tray in Hand Engraved Brass, 1950s

$414

H 11.03 in W 18.51 in D 1.19 in

Egyptian Serving Tray in Hand Engraved Brass, 1950s

Located in Esbjerg, DK

Hand-engraved Egyptian serving tray in brass. Imported as a souvenir to Denmark circa 1950-60. It features ornamented handles, hieroglyphs and pharaoh depictions. Measurements: L: 47...

Category

Mid-20th Century Egyptian Egyptian Revival Tapio Wirkkala Barware

Materials

Brass

Tapio Wirkkala Crystal Ice Bucket with Tongs, Finland, 1950's
Tapio Wirkkala Crystal Ice Bucket with Tongs, Finland, 1950's

Tapio Wirkkala Crystal Ice Bucket with Tongs, Finland, 1950's

By Tapio Wirkkala

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Tapio Wirkkala Crystal Ice Bucket with Clasp, Finland, 1950's, original tongs

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Barware

Materials

Crystal

Mauro Manetti Duck Ice Bucket, Italy, 1970s
Mauro Manetti Duck Ice Bucket, Italy, 1970s

Mauro Manetti Duck Ice Bucket, Italy, 1970s

By Mauro Manetti

Located in London, GB

1960s 'silvered' ice bucket, finely-detailed in the form of a duck by Mauro Manetti, stamped 'M/M ITALY'. Metal inner linings.

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Barware

Materials

Metal

Willy Rizzo Purple Frosted Lucite Large Ice Bucket, Italy 1970s
Willy Rizzo Purple Frosted Lucite Large Ice Bucket, Italy 1970s

Willy Rizzo Purple Frosted Lucite Large Ice Bucket, Italy 1970s

By Willy Rizzo

Located in Roma, IT

Fabulous large ice-bucket made in a combination of ice-effect purple lucite and clear lucite. This incredibly charming and unique piece is attributed to Willy Rizzo and was produced ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Barware

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite

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

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 Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala

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 Barware

Materials

Glass

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

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 Barware

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Tapio Wirkkala Egg for Venini, 1968
Tapio Wirkkala Egg for Venini, 1968

Tapio Wirkkala Egg for Venini, 1968

$628

H 3.55 in Dm 2.37 in

Tapio Wirkkala Egg for Venini, 1968

By Tapio Wirkkala

Located in Brussels, BE

Tapio Wirkkala Egg for Venini, 1968

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Barware

Materials

Glass

Tapio Wirkkala Velvet Art Glass Vase "Jäkälä" model 3516, Iittala 1950s Finland
Tapio Wirkkala Velvet Art Glass Vase "Jäkälä" model 3516, Iittala 1950s Finland

Tapio Wirkkala Velvet Art Glass Vase "Jäkälä" model 3516, Iittala 1950s Finland

By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala

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 Barware

Materials

Art Glass

Set of Eight "Kekkerit" Shot Glasses by Timo Sarpeneva for Iittala of Finland
Set of Eight "Kekkerit" Shot Glasses by Timo Sarpeneva for Iittala of Finland

Set of Eight "Kekkerit" Shot Glasses by Timo Sarpeneva for Iittala of Finland

By Iittala

Located in San Diego, CA

A nice set of eight "Kekkerit" shot glasses by Timo Sarpeneva for Iittala of Finland, circa 1960s. The glasses have a clear textured finish and are in very good condition with no cr...

Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Barware

Materials

Crystal

Tapio Wirkkala Glass Tray Model 3369-3869 by Iittala in Finland
Tapio Wirkkala Glass Tray Model 3369-3869 by Iittala in Finland

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 Barware

Materials

Glass

Set of Iittala Ultima Thule Bowls 13 Pieces
Set of Iittala Ultima Thule Bowls 13 Pieces

Set of Iittala Ultima Thule Bowls 13 Pieces

$1,017 / set

H 1.97 in Dm 4.34 in

Set of Iittala Ultima Thule Bowls 13 Pieces

By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala

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 Barware

Materials

Glass

TAPIO WIRKKALA 1962 Finland Modernist Sculptural Dish-Tray in .916 Sterling
TAPIO WIRKKALA 1962 Finland Modernist Sculptural Dish-Tray in .916 Sterling

TAPIO WIRKKALA 1962 Finland Modernist Sculptural Dish-Tray in .916 Sterling

$1,320Sale Price|20% Off

H 0.41 in W 4.67 in D 1.48 in

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 Barware

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Previously Available Items
Set of 4 Tall Clear Textured Highball Glasses by Tapio Wirkkala
Set of 4 Tall Clear Textured Highball Glasses by Tapio Wirkkala

Set of 4 Tall Clear Textured Highball Glasses by Tapio Wirkkala

By Tapio Wirkkala

Located in San Diego, CA

beautiful set of 4 glasses by Tapio Wirkkala textured glasses. Excellent condition no chips or cracks.

Category

20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Barware

Materials

Glass

Iittala Ultima Thule Rocks Glasses by Tapio Wirkkala
Iittala Ultima Thule Rocks Glasses by Tapio Wirkkala

Iittala Ultima Thule Rocks Glasses by Tapio Wirkkala

By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala

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 Barware

Materials

Glass

Six Tapio Wirkkala Shot Glasses in Original Box
Six Tapio Wirkkala Shot Glasses in Original Box

Six Tapio Wirkkala Shot Glasses in Original Box

By Tapio Wirkkala

Located in Hamilton, Ontario

Six Tapio Wirkkala shot glasses in original box.

Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Barware

Tapio Wirkkala Tray Soinne et Kni, Finland, circa 1950s
Tapio Wirkkala Tray Soinne et Kni, Finland, circa 1950s

Tapio Wirkkala Tray Soinne et Kni, Finland, circa 1950s

By Tapio Wirkkala

Located in San Diego, CA

Signed with molded manufacturer’s mark to underside: [Fingraft Tray Plastic Coated Unbreakable Resistant Heat Alcohole Water Wear Made in Finland Soinne & Knioy Helsinki]. Beutiful a...

Category

20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Barware

Materials

Wood

Tapio Wirkkala Thule Highball Ice Glasses
Tapio Wirkkala Thule Highball Ice Glasses

Tapio Wirkkala Thule Highball Ice Glasses

By Tapio Wirkkala

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A set of eight highball glasses in the style of frozen ice typical of Wirkkala's work for Iittala, a Classic design from one of Finland's top design artists, made in Finland.

Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Modern Tapio Wirkkala Barware

Tapio Wirkkala Set of Six Shot Glasses for Iittala in Original Presentation Box
Tapio Wirkkala Set of Six Shot Glasses for Iittala in Original Presentation Box

Tapio Wirkkala Set of Six Shot Glasses for Iittala in Original Presentation Box

By Tapio Wirkkala

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A set of six mold-blown "Romantica" shot glasses by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, Finland, offered in their original box with original brochure insert. Elegant, cinched design with 2" ...

Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Barware

Materials

Glass

Tapio Wirkkala "Icebreaker" Glassware for Iittala, circa 1960s
Tapio Wirkkala "Icebreaker" Glassware for Iittala, circa 1960s

Tapio Wirkkala "Icebreaker" Glassware for Iittala, circa 1960s

By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala

Located in New York, NY

Tapio Wirkkala used ice Formations and water flow as his inspiration for his "IceBreaker" glassware for Iittala circa 1960s. They are made of turned mold-blown clear glass....

Category

20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Barware

Materials

Blown Glass

Carafe and Glasses by Tapio Wirkkala
Carafe and Glasses by Tapio Wirkkala

Carafe and Glasses by Tapio Wirkkala

Sold

H 8 in Dm 4.5 in L 8 in

Carafe and Glasses by Tapio Wirkkala

By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A beautifully executed carafe and four drinking glasses all having organic free-form bases evocative of winter ice.

Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Barware

Materials

Glass

Stoppered Flask by Tapio Wirkkala
Stoppered Flask by Tapio Wirkkala

Stoppered Flask by Tapio Wirkkala

By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A sculptural and beautifully rendered heavy bottomed blown glass flask having an expressive stopper made of bog oak.

Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Barware

Materials

Blown Glass

Set of 14 Glasses designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala
Set of 14 Glasses designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala

Set of 14 Glasses designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala

By Tapio Wirkkala

Located in Dronten, NL

8 cordial glasses, 3 cocktail glasses and 3 pilsner glasses. Designed in 1952, manufactured circa 1980. Tapio glassware received the Grand Prix Award at the Milan Triennale in 1954. ...

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Barware

Materials

Glass

Tapio Wirkkala barware for sale on 1stDibs.

Tapio Wirkkala barware 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 barware, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original barware by Tapio Wirkkala were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in finland during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider barware by and Iittala. Prices for Tapio Wirkkala barware can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $240 and can go as high as $22,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $638.