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Tapio Wirkkala Tableware

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 for Rosenthal Flatware, Extensive 91 Piece Set
Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Flatware, Extensive 91 Piece Set

Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Flatware, Extensive 91 Piece Set

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Modernist stainless steel flatware set, designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal, Austria, circa 1963. This is a large set containing 91 pieces total. They are constructed of dishwas...

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T. Wirkkala for Rosenthal Studio-Line Porcelain Noire, Six Person Mocha Service
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T. Wirkkala for Rosenthal Studio-Line Porcelain Noire, Six Person Mocha Service

By Tapio Wirkkala

Located in København, Copenhagen

Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Studio-line porcelain noire, six person mocha service in black and white porcelain, modern design, fluted. Designed in 1962. Consisting of six mocha cups with saucers, sugar bowl, creamer and mocha jug...

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20th Century German Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Tableware

Tray in Laminated Birch by Tapio Wirkkala, 1950's
Tray in Laminated Birch by Tapio Wirkkala, 1950's

Tray in Laminated Birch by Tapio Wirkkala, 1950's

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Tray in Laminated Birch by Tapio Wirkkala, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Laminated birch Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Soinn...

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20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Tableware

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Set of 28 Vintage Composition Secunda Grau Coffee Service by Tapio Wirkkala
Set of 28 Vintage Composition Secunda Grau Coffee Service by Tapio Wirkkala

Set of 28 Vintage Composition Secunda Grau Coffee Service by Tapio Wirkkala

By Tapio Wirkkala

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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. ...

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Carving Knife by Tapio Wirkkala for Hackman, 1960s
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Located in Sagaponack, NY

A carving knife in brushed steel having a stained oak handle attached to the blade by wooden pegs. A silver tag on the handle documents the materials came from the Swedish ship...

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Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal Studio-Line ‘Modulation’ sauce cream jug, 1960s
Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal Studio-Line ‘Modulation’ sauce cream jug, 1960s

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By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal

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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...

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1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Tableware

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Set of Serving Cutlery Designed by Tapio Wirkkala, Finland, 1950s
Set of Serving Cutlery Designed by Tapio Wirkkala, Finland, 1950s

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...

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1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Tableware

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Wood

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Tapio Wirkkala tableware for sale on 1stDibs.

Tapio Wirkkala tableware are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Tapio Wirkkala tableware, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original tableware by Tapio Wirkkala were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider tableware by and Arabia. Prices for Tapio Wirkkala tableware can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $672 and can go as high as $5,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,127.

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