Iittala Ultima Thule Rocks Glasses by Tapio Wirkkala
View Similar Items
Iittala Ultima Thule Rocks Glasses by Tapio Wirkkala
About the Item
- Creator:Tapio Wirkkala (Designer),Iittala (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)Diameter: 2.75 in (6.99 cm)
- Style:Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Excellent vintage condition.
- Seller Location:Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU6584228944682
Tapio Wirkkala
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.
- Iittala Ultima Thule 56oz Serving Bowl by Tapio WirkkalaBy Tapio Wirkkala, IittalaLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLTapio 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 Platters and Serveware
MaterialsGlass
- Vintage "Pinus" Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkalla for IitallaBy Tapio Wirkkala, IittalaLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLVintage glass crystal "Pinus" (translates to 'Pine' in English) vase by Tapio Wirkalla for Iitalla. Inspired by the natural organic forms of wood and ice. Artist: Tapio Wirkalla ...Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Vases
MaterialsCrystal
- Timo Sarpaneva Triangular 'Archipelago' Candleholder for IittalaBy Iittala, Timo SarpanevaLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLVintage Scandinavian art glass triangular "Archipelago' candleholder by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala. Designer: Timo Sarpaneva Manufacture...Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Candlesticks
MaterialsArt Glass
- Large Footed Glass "Kekkeri" Bowl by Timo Sarpaneva for IittalaBy Iittala, Timo SarpanevaLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLVintage textured glass Kekkeri bowl by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala. Manufacturer: Iittala Designer: Timo Sarpaneva Origin: Finland Y...Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Serving Bowls
MaterialsGlass
- Teak Ice Bucket by ESB DenmarkLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLVintage Scandinavian ice bucket with removable plastic insert and lid. Expertly crafted in a patchwork of end-grain teak. Manufacturer: ESB...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Barware
MaterialsTeak
- Danish Teak Plates by Hafnia, a PairLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLVintage pair of pressed laminated teak wood plates by Hafnia. Manufacturer: Hafnia Origin: Denmark Year: 1960s Style: Mid-Century Modern / Scandinavian / Danish Modern Dimension...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Dinner Plates
MaterialsTeak
- 8 Ultima Thule Glasses Designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, RareBy Tapio WirkkalaLocated in Doraville, GAA 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
Vintage 1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Barware
MaterialsGlass
- Tapio Wirkkala Ultima Thule Glass Pitcher On Rocks Old Fashioned Glasses FinlandBy Tapio WirkkalaLocated in Wayne, NJSet of Tapio Wirkkala Ultima Thule Glass Pitcher and 6 Either on the Rocks or Double Old Fashioned Glasses ( measurements are very close on both,...Category
Vintage 1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Glass
MaterialsGlass
$880 Sale Price / set20% Off - Set of 8 Tapio Wirkkala Ultima Thule Glass Highball Glasses Finland 3 ToedBy Tapio WirkkalaLocated in Wayne, NJSet of 8 Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Ultima Thule Glass Glasses . They have a 3 foot / footed bottom. The top lip is approx 3 1/8"...Category
Vintage 1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Glass
MaterialsGlass
$560 Sale Price / set20% Off - Set of Iittala Ultima Thule Bowls 13 PiecesBy Tapio Wirkkala, IittalaLocated in Hillringsberg, SEA 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
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Glass
MaterialsGlass
- Modern Ultima Thule Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, Finland 7 Glass BowlsBy Tapio Wirkkala, IittalaLocated in Miami, FLTapio 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
Vintage 1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Serving Bowls
MaterialsArt Glass
- 1970's Tapio Wirkkala 4 Niva Whiskey glasses + Seita Ice Bucket Iittala FinlandBy Iittala, Tapio WirkkalaLocated in bergen op zoom, NLSet 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
Vintage 1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Glass
MaterialsGlass, Art Glass