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.
Aulis Leinonen & Tapio Wirkkala Beech Trolley & Rythmic Veneer Trays, Asko 1950s
By Asko, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Helsinki, FI
An elegant wooden trolley in lacquered beech and rhythmic veneer, manufactured by Asko in Finland for only two years from 1950-1951. The design allows for the tops to be used as two ...
Beech, Birch, Lacquer
Aulis Leinonen and Tapio Wirkkala Beech & Rythmic Veneer Trolley, Asko 1950s
By Asko, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare and elegant wooden trolley in lacquered beech and rhythmic veneer, manufactured by Asko in Finland for only two years from 1950-1951. The design is a team effort between the world renowned Tapio Wirkkala and Aulis Leinonen...
Beech, Birch, Lacquer
$669Sale Price|30% Off
H 19.69 in Dm 15.75 in
Midcentury Curved Bamboo Portable Bar Italian Design 1950s
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Midcentury curved bamboo portable bar Italian Design 1950s.
Bamboo
$9,135 / item
H 31.11 in W 13 in D 29.93 in
Bar Trolley in Black Pen Shell with 3 Removable Trays by Kifu Paris
By Kifu Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...
Brass
Mid Century Drinks Trolley, 1950s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Mid-Century Modern serving trolley with removable wooden trays. Patinated brass frame. Good overall condition 1950s - France Dimensions: Height: 70cm/27.55" Width: 64cm...
Brass
$9,135 / item
H 31.11 in W 13 in D 29.93 in
Bar Trolley in Cream Shagreen with 3 Removable Trays by Kifu, Paris
By Kifu Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The Kifu Paris bar trolley in cream...
Brass
$295Sale Price|34% Off
H 31 in W 32 in D 17.25 in
Circa 1950s-60s Salton "Hot Tray" Serving Trolley, American
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1950s-60s Salton "Hot Tray" serving trolley, American. The epitome of mid century modern America home entertaining conveniences. Walnut & brass with wor...
Wood
$9,135 / item
H 31.11 in W 13 in D 29.93 in
Bar Trolley in Coal Black Shagreen with 3 Removable Trays by Kifu, Paris
By Kifu Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...
Brass
$9,135 / item
H 31.11 in W 13 in D 29.93 in
Bar Trolley in Black Pen Shell with 3 Removable Trays by Kifu Paris
By Kifu Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...
Brass
19th Century English Mahogany Butlers Tray Table
Located in Water Mill, NY
19th century English mahogany butlers tray table on a bar height stand with brass hinges.
Brass
$9,135 / item
H 31.11 in W 13 in D 29.93 in
Bar Trolley in Cream Shagreen Shell with 3 Removable Trays by Kifu Paris
By Kifu Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The Kifu Paris bar trolley in cream...
Brass
Rare Tapio Wirkkala Coffee Table for Asko
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A great example of Tapio Wirkkala's iconic coffee table for Asko Finland. This piece has two leaf motif decorations on the tabletop. Branded Asko.
Metal
Caesar Lacquer trolley bar 1950s.
By Cesare Lacca
Located in bari, IT
This bar cart reflects the elegant and functional style for which Cesare Lacca is known, particularly for his carts, often made for companies such as Cassina. The frame is made of e...
Brass
$2,029
H 30.71 in W 24.02 in D 17.33 in
Serving Bar Cart by Cesare Lacca in Wood, Brass and Glass, Italy, 1950s
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Rome, IT
Serving bar cart in wood and brass details composed of two removable glass trays by the Italian designer Cesare Lacca, 1950s.
Metal, Brass
Aulis Leinonen and Tapio Wirkkala Trolley, Asko
By Asko, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare and elegant wooden trolley in lacquered beech and rhythmic birch, manufactured by Asko in Finland for only two years from 1950-1951. The design is a team effort between the world renowned Tapio Wirkkala and Aulis Leinonen...
Birch, Lacquer, Beech