Iittala Ultima Thule 56oz Serving Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala
About the Item
- Creator:Iittala (Manufacturer),Tapio Wirkkala (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)Diameter: 7.9 in (20.07 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: LU6584228929322
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- Teak Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for DanskBy Jens Quistgaard, DanskLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLVintage staved teak serving bowl designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Stamped "Dansk Designs Denmark IHQ" on bottom. Designer: Jens Quis...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
MaterialsTeak
- Teak Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for DanskBy Jens Quistgaard, DanskLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLVintage staved teak serving bowl designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Stamped "Dansk International Design LTD Thailand JHQ". Designer: Jens Qu...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
MaterialsTeak
- Vintage "Pinus" Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkalla for IitallaBy Iittala, Tapio WirkkalaLocated 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
- Andrew Pearce Walnut Champlain Serving BowlLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLHand-turned solid wood Champlain serving bowl crafted from beautiful walnut by Andrew Pearce. Finished with food safe allergen-free wood oil. Artist: ...Category
2010s American Organic Modern Serving Bowls
MaterialsWalnut
- Andrew Pearce Walnut Champlain Serving BowlLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLHand-turned solid wood Champlain serving bowl crafted from beautiful walnut by Andrew Pearce. Finished with food safe allergen-free wood oil. Artist: ...Category
2010s American Organic Modern Serving Bowls
MaterialsWalnut
- Vintage Dansk Staved Teak Round Serving Platter by Jens QuistgaardBy Jens Quistgaard, DanskLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLVintage round staved teak serving board by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Designer: Jens Quistgaard Manufacturer: Dansk Origin: Denmark Year: 1970s Syle: Mid-Century Moder...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Platters and Serveware
MaterialsTeak
- Pair of 'Ultima Thule' Glass Candle Holders by Tapio WirkkalaBy Iittala, Tapio WirkkalaLocated in Hawthorne, CASet of two solid glass candlestick holders from the 'Ultima Thule' collection by iconic Finnish designer, Tapio Wirkkala. Classic icy drip detail that Wirkkala is known for. Excellen...Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks
MaterialsGlass
- Large Lunaria Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, 1972By Tapio WirkkalaLocated in BARCELONA, ESThe Large Lunaria Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, crafted in 1972, beckons as an exceptional investment in timeless design and functionality. Wirkkala, a luminary in Finnish desi...Category
Vintage 1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
MaterialsGlass
- Beautiful bowl in glass "Leaf" by Tapio Wirkkala for IittalaBy Tapio WirkkalaLocated in Djurhamn, SETapio Wirkkala Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) was a versatile design genius, and is widely regarded as a leading figure in the modern Finnish art industry. Wirkkala's extensive contribu...Category
Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
MaterialsArt Glass
- Tapio Wirkkala Finnish Hand Carved Leaf PlatterBy Tapio WirkkalaLocated in Countryside, ILTapio Wirkkala Finnish Hand Carved Leaf Platter This piece measures: 6.5 wide x 4.5 deep x 1.25 inches high This platter is in excellent vintag...Category
Vintage 1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls
MaterialsWood
- Tapio Wirkkala Glass Leaf Bowl SignedBy Iittala, Tapio WirkkalaLocated in San Diego, CACrystal, line cut leaf bowl by Finnish artist and designer Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala. Wirkkala’s themes often come from nature, like leaves, water, or ...Category
Vintage 1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls
MaterialsCrystal
- Tapio Wirkkala for Ittala Lunaria Ice Block BowlBy Iittala, Tapio WirkkalaLocated in New York, NYNice center bowl designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Ittala. Clear glass with textured ice surface. Original clean and undamaged condition, unsigned.Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
MaterialsArt Glass