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.
Alvar Aalto Vintage Vase 3030, Blown Glass, Scandinavian Modern
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, Finland
Iconic Vintage Aalto vase that was blown into an iron mold. Hand Signed "Alvar Aalto 3030". Manufactured by Iittala Finland. - Condition: Very good for its age. No cracks or chips. ...
Blown Glass
Pair of Alvar Aalto Steel Bowl's by Iittala Finland
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, Finland
Set of two Aalto Steel Bowls. Designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Iittala Finland. Finnish design legend Alvar Aalto’s asymmetrical natural wave shape has become his creati...
Stainless Steel
Simple and Elegant Pendant Lamp, By Paavo Tynell For Idman, Finland, 1950s
By Idman Oy, Idman, Paavo Tynell
Located in Turku, Finland
A pendant lamp designed by Paavo Tynell and manufactured by Idman in Finland during the 1950s. This example features a white opaline glass globe shade paired with a nickel-plated met...
Metal, Nickel
Mid-Century Modern Brass Planter / Decorative Pot, Sweden, 1950s–1960s
Located in Turku, Finland
Elegant Swedish mid-century modern, hammered mid-size brass planter / decorative cachepot from the 1950s–1960s. The piece features a beautifully flared rim, warm brass patina, and a...
Brass
1960s Scandinavian Modern Brass Table Lamps by Helsingin Kaasuvalo
Located in Turku, Finland
Elegant pair of Finnish table lamps produced by Helsingin Kaasuvalo, dating from the 1960s–1970s. The lamps feature cylindrical brass stems and classic tapered fabric shades, creatin...
Brass
Scandinavian Modern Floor Lamp by Fagerhults Belysning AB, Sweden, 1960s
By Fagerhult
Located in Turku, Finland
Swedish floor lamp manufactured by Fagerhult Belysning AB during the 1960s. The lamp features a slender brass stem and weighted brass base combined with an adjustable shade made of b...
Aluminum, Brass
A blue and clear glass vase. by Tapio Wirkkala
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in San Francisco, CA
A blue and clear glass vase. Signed Tapio Wirkkala -3581. In production from 1960 to 1970.
Glass
Tapio Wirkkala Vintage Blue and Transparent Glass Vase for Venini
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
Located in Milano, IT
Splendid glass vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala for the prestigious Italian manufacturer Venini. The designer's signature is clearly visible on the bottom. The vase has a very simple...
Glass
Tapio Wirkkala, Vase, Glass, Finland, 1960s
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in High Point, NC
A blown glass vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala, and produced by Iittala, Finland, 1960s
Glass
Original blue glass vase by Per Lütken for Holmegaard, Denmark, 1960s
By Per Lütken, Holmegaard
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Wonderful heavy glass vase designed by Per Lütken and produced by Holmegaard in Denmark in the 1960s. High quality 1960s Danish production of handmade glass. Per Lütken (1916-1998) i...
Glass
Scandinavian Modern Blue Glass Vase by Erik Höglund for Boda, Sweden 1960's
By Boda, Erik Höglund
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Dive into the understated charm of this mesmerizing blue glass vase crafted by the skilled hands of artist Erik Höglund for Boda glassworks. The shimmering blue glass, with its playful dance of tiny bubbles, creates an ambiance of delicate beauty. This handcrafted vase, hailing from the creative zenith of 1960s Sweden, unveils the artistry of Erik Höglund. At a stately 26 cm in height and with a width of ø 16cm, this vase not only echoes Höglund's refined design but also attests to the quality of Boda glassworks. The signature H 1199/255 is discreetly placed beneath the vase serves as a quiet testament to its origin and its place in the era of artistic ingenuity spanning from 1960 to 1969. Whether nestled among a collection or commanding attention as a focal point in your space, this Erik Höglund vase...
Blown Glass
Rare Modernist Orrefors Intermezzo Blue Crystal Vase
By Orrefors, Rosenthal
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful Orrefors crystal vase made in Sweden during the 1980s in a Modernist style. The vase is clearly signed "Orrefors" on the bottom and displays a sculptural blue glass drop li...
Crystal
