Skip to main content

Tapio Wirkkala Centerpieces

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
1
9
9
4
5
3
1
3
2
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
4
3
9
5
2
2
9
9
9
210
101
54
46
35
Creator: Tapio Wirkkala
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 Centerpieces

Materials

Porcelain

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 Centerpieces

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

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

Materials

Porcelain

Vase made in Finland, Sign: Tapio Wirkkala Littala 57
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Tapio Wirkkala (June 2, 1915 – May 19, 1985) was a Finnish designer and sculptor, one of the pioneers of industrial art in his country. His work in design was recognized in the years...
Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Centerpieces

Materials

Glass

Tapio Wirkkala for Venini Murano glass centerpiece/bowl "Coreano" 90
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great simple design bowl by the well known artis/ designer Tapio Wirkkala. made for Venini , dated 90, signed
Category

1990s Italian Post-Modern Tapio Wirkkala Centerpieces

Materials

Murano Glass

SIlver Tapio Wirkkala bowl TW 282
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A beautiful handmade to order solid silver bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus .
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Centerpieces

Tapio Wirkkala Handmade & Hammered Silver Boat Model TW 9, Kultakeskus 1959
By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
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 Centerpieces

Materials

Silver

Tapio Wirkkala Hand Hammered Round Silver Bowl, Kultakeskus 1970
By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Helsinki, FI
Tapio was always a hands on experience kind of designer. He always visited the work area of his objects and collaborated with the glass blowers or other handy and craftsmen that crea...
Category

1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Centerpieces

Materials

Silver

Tapio Wirkkala Murano Venini Centerpiece / bowl "Inari" signed
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice murano glass work and gold leaf inclusions in this amazing Tapio Wirkkala centerpiece , signed dated 90.
Category

1990s Italian Post-Modern Tapio Wirkkala Centerpieces

Materials

Murano Glass

Related Items
Mid-Century Tapio Wirkkala “Paper Bag" Vase For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Centerpieces

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Gianfranco Frattini, Red Centerpiece / Tray, Progetti Italy, 1970s
By Progetti, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Firenze, IT
Red enamelled aluminium stackable tray / centerpiece designed by Gianfranco Frattini Manufactured by Progetti, Italy, 1970s. Manufacturer's label on the base Measures: Heigh...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Centerpieces

Materials

Aluminum

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 Centerpieces

Materials

Silver

Mid-Century “Paper Bag" Vase Tapio Wirkkala For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Iconic “Paper Bag Vase”, designed by Tapio Wirkkala, the great Finnish glassmaker, industrial designer, and artist, circa 1977, for Rosenthal’s Studio Line "DO NOT LITTER" range. Th...
Category

1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Centerpieces

Materials

Porcelain

Hammered Silver Plate Bowl with Medallions and Lion Handles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful hammered silver bowl with medallion details and lion head handles - the perfect size to be used for a serving piece, center piece, fruit bowl or catch all for mail, flowers.
Category

20th Century European Tapio Wirkkala Centerpieces

Materials

Silver Plate

Mid-Century Tapio Wirkkala “Paper Bag" Vase For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Iconic “Paper Bag Vase”, designed by Tapio Wirkkala, the great Finnish glassmaker, industrial designer, and artist, circa 1977, for Rosenthal’s Studio Line "DO NOT LITTER" range. Th...
Category

1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Centerpieces

Materials

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,...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Centerpieces

Materials

Ceramic, 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 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Centerpieces

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Set of Two Ceramic Centerpieces by Gabbianelli, Italy, 1970s
By Gabbianelli
Located in Milan, IT
Set of two huge ceramic centerpieces by Gabbianelli. Oversized handles and pure sculptural shape.
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Centerpieces

Materials

Ceramic

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 Centerpieces

Materials

Art Glass

Pollo Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Studio Line
By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautiful Porcelin Pollo Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Studio Line.
Category

1970s German Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Centerpieces

Materials

Porcelain

Large Handmade Hammered Silver Centerpiece Bowl by Renzo Cassetti, Italy 1970s
By Renzo Cassetti
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic large round shell shaped centerpiece completely handmade in hammered silver plate. This beautiful piece was designed by Renzo Cassetti in Italy in the 1970s and is signed i...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Centerpieces

Materials

Silver Plate

Previously Available Items
Rare Large Tapio Wirkkala Leaf Platter Finland, 1951
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Iconic Finnish design by Tapio Wirkkala in 1951. Hand laminated teak and birch. This design won the the Gold Medal at the IX Milan Triennale, and was quoted as being" The most beaut...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Centerpieces

Materials

Birch, Teak

Large Sunflower Dish by Tapio Wirkkala
By Humppila 1, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large aqua colored "Sunflower" dish from Humppila glass. Humppila glass was founded in Finland in 1952, and the Sunflower dish was designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1960s.
Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Centerpieces

Materials

Art Glass

Tapio Wirkkala Compote and Candle Stick Set
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Tapio Wirkkala Compote and candle stick center piece set with dessert serving bowl and individual bowls. Glass is decorated in a raised random raindrop finish perfect for you holiday...
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Centerpieces

Materials

Glass

Monumental Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Rare Glass Champagne Vessel
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Rare Vase No. 3441 Centrifugal Cast Glass. Signed, TAPIO WIRKKALA
Category

1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Centerpieces

Materials

Glass

Tapio Wirkkala No. 3743 Centerpiece Bowl
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Norwalk, CT
For Iittala, monumental Inari centerpiece bowl from the Iceberg series by Tapio Wirkkala, incised signature and number on underside. Excellent condition.
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Centerpieces

Tapio Wirkkala No. 3743 Centerpiece Bowl
Tapio Wirkkala No. 3743 Centerpiece Bowl
H 6.75 in W 14.75 in D 12.5 in
Art Glass Object (Glass Leaf) by Tapio Wirkkala
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Amarillo, TX
Tapio Wirkkala Model nr. 3337 Art glass object (glass leaf) Iittala Finland; 1957 Mould-blown and line-cut glass ca. 24.2 cm x 20.2 cm x 6.6 cm Literature: Tapio Wirkkala:...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Centerpieces

Materials

Art Glass

Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal - Black Ceramics
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in San Francisco, CA
Two vases and ceramic bowl by Tapio Wirkkala. Black on black manganese glaze. Produced by Rosenthal. 2 sorting. H. vase 9.8" and 5.3". Bowl H. 3.9 Ø 6.6 cm.
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Centerpieces

Materials

Earthenware

Tapio Wirkkala centerpieces for sale on 1stDibs.

Tapio Wirkkala centerpieces are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of porcelain and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Tapio Wirkkala centerpieces, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original centerpieces by Tapio Wirkkala were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in europe during the 20th century. Prices for Tapio Wirkkala centerpieces can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $513 and can go as high as $6,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,400.

Recently Viewed

View All