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.
$12,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Murano Sconces
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of murano wall sconces, monumental is size and stature. Made of multiple hand blown Venini art glass, shades hangs on steel frame with up and down lights.
Steel
Tapio Wirkkala hanging lamps for IDMAN
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A nice hanging lamp by Tapio Wirkkala for Idman. Copper cylinders hold Tapio Wirkkala designed bulbs . Three-armed ceiling cap allows for adjustable heights.
Copper, Metal
Stunning Pair of Murano Glass Sconces in the Style of Venini
By Venini
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A stunning pair of Murano glass wall sconces. Each consisting of a stylish design. A single white lacquered wall plate with a solo socket and mount make for a beautiful wall light. E...
Metal
Large Pair of Venini Murano Glass Sconces
By Venini
Located in New York, NY
A very dramatic, large and beautiful pair of Venini style sconces. These are located in our warehouse in Italy and have a lead time for arrival of 8-10 weeks from time of purchase. ...
Crystal
Tapio Wirkkala Hanging Teak Lamp with Red Vistosi Glass Shade, 1950s
By Vistosi, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Teak hanging pendant with red glass Vistosi shade. Featuring a suspended 12.5H turned teak rod supporting a rounded, angular Tomato Red glass Visto...
Glass, Teak
Pair of Light Green Murano Glass and Chrome Sconces, Italy
By Venini
Located in New York, NY
Clear, green infused Murano glass sconces in the style of Venini with ribbed glass texture, curved glass details and glass drops. A classic design in a unique color. Rewired for the ...
Murano Glass
Pair of Vintage Murano Wall Sconce, 9 Multicolored Triedri
By Venini
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Fantastic pair of vintage Murano wall sconce made by 9 Murano multicolored crystal prism (triedri) for each applique in a chrome metal frame. Period: late XX century Dimensions: 12...
Art Glass
Pair Of Art Deco Style Murano Glass Sconces
By Seguso, Ercole Barovier, Salviati, Barovier, Venini
Located in Houston, TX
Pair Of Art Deco Style Murano Glass Sconces. Offered is a stunning pair of Italian Art Deco style Murano glass and brass sconces. This ch...
Brass
Pair of Vintage Murano Six-Tier Felci Wall Sconces
By Venini
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Fantastic pair of vintage Murano wall sconces made by 10 Murano trasparent Six-Tier Felci for each applique in a chrome metal frame. Period: late XX century Dimensions: 18,50 inches...
Art Glass
Pair Of Murano Glass Sconces By Carlo Nason For Mazzega
By Carlo Nason, Ercole Barovier, Mazzega, Venini, Barovier
Located in Houston, TX
Pair Of Murano Glass Sconces By Carlo Nason For Mazzega. This lovely pair of Italian modern sconces made of finely crafted ...
Steel
$2,153
H 27.56 in Dm 9.85 in
Minimalist Tapio Wirkkala Ceiling Lamp Model 51129 in White Opaline Glass, 1950s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala, Idman Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
An elegant ceiling lamp model. 51129 in white opaline glass, designed by Tapio Wirkkala and manufactured in a joint effort by Idman & Iittala in Finland in the 1950s. This very minim...
Brass
Pair of Italian Murano Glass Sconces by Mazzega
By Paolo Venini, Venini, Mazzega, Vietri, Vitossi
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Italian Murano glass sconces by Mazzega. This stunning pair of Mid-Century Modern square Murano sconces have been newly wired for U.S. use.
Chrome
$2,405Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 31.5 in W 14.57 in D 7.49 in
Pair of Venetian Wall Sconces, Murano, 1980s
By Venini
Located in Budapest, HU
Huge and fantastic pair of vintage Murano wall sconces made by 41 Murano crystal prism (triedri) for each applique in a chrome metal frame. The shape of this sconce is spiral. The gl...
Metal
Pair of vintage Murano smoked Felci Glass wall sconces
By Venini
Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT
Fantastic pair of vintage Murano wall sconce made by 6 Murano smoked Felci glasses for each applique in a chrome metal frame. Period: late xx century Dimensions: 18,50 inches height...
Art Glass