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Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Finnish, 1915-1985

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.

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Creator: Tapio Wirkkala
Tapio Wirkkala Iceberg Still Mold Blown Crystal Vase 3825
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in New York, NY
Tapio Wirkkala still-mold blown crystal "Iceberg" vase. Hand Incised signature to underside: [Tapio Wirkkala 3825]. Measures 7¾ H × 8 W × 7 D in...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Crystal

Large Venini Bowl 'Coreano', Designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1966
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Venini Bowl 'Coreano', Designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1966 A blue and green a fasce a spirale bowl from the Coreani series. Designed in 1966 by Tapio Wirkkala for Venini. Produ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Art Glass, Murano Glass

Set of 3 1970s Icicle Art Aslak Highball Glasses by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of 3 Icicle Art Aslak Highball or Beer Glasses designed by Tapio Wirkkala for renowned Finnish glass company Iittala. Gorgeous design conjuring icy beauty. The glasses are in pe...
Category

1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Kantarelli Art Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, 1951
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Kantarelli Art glass vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, 1951 A large vintage 'Kantarelli' (chantertelle) vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Glassworks in 1951. Mold blown ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Art Glass

Tapio Wirkkala Murano Glass Vase for Venini. Italy 1970s
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Milan, IT
Tapio Wirkkala Blue and Transparent Murano Glass Vase for Venini. Original Venini Label and Acid Etched Signature.
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Murano Glass

1970s Three Icicle Art Aslak Whiskey Glasses Iittala Tapio Wirkkala Finland
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Set of 3 Icicle Art Aslak Whiskey Glasses Iittala Tapio Wirkkala Finland Art Glass 3 diameter x 3.5 h Preowned original vintage, please refer to images.
Category

1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Art Glass

Venini Vase 'Lapponi', Designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1968
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Venini Vase 'Lapponi', Designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1968 A rare vase of the Lapponi (laplanders) series designed in 1968 by Tapio Wirkkala for Venini. Thin red and smoke grey glass...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Art Glass, Murano Glass

Ultima Thule Glass Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Ultima Thule Footed Glass Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Finland, 1968 "a simple way to bring some style to your salad" "This beautiful “Ultima Thule” Glass Bowl was designed...
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Glass

Vintage Art Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1967
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Art glass vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1967 A large vintage art glass vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Glassworks in ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Art Glass

Set of Iittala Ultima Thule Bowls 13 Pieces
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
A 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

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Glass

Tapio Wirkkala Vintage Blue and Transparent Glass Vase for Venini
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
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...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Glass

Vintage Cristal 1960s Vase Mod. 3586 by T. Wirkkala for Karhula- Iittala
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Vintage cristal vase mod. 3586 designed by T. Wirkkala for Karhula- Iittala. Good condition: alone slightly opaque at the edge.
Category

1960s Space Age Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Glass

Large Venini Vase 'Coreano', Designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1966
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Venini Vase 'Coreano', Designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1966 A blue and green a fasce a spirale vase from the Coreani series. Designed in 1966 by Tapio Wirkkala for Venini. Produ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Art Glass, Murano Glass

Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala, Pink Crystal Bowl No. 3317, Finland, circa 1948-1959
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Chatham, ON
TAPIO WIRKKALA - IITTALA - Design No. 3317 - Mid Century Scandinavian sculptural pink glass / crystal bowl with indented rim - signed on the side (as photographed) - Finland - circa ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Art Glass

Venini Bolle Glass Vase in Pink and White by Tapio Wirkkala
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bolle Glass vase series, designed by Tapio Wirkkala and manufactured by Venini, was originally designed in 1966. Iconic masterpieces available in 5 different shapes. Indoor use only....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Glass

1952 Tapio Wirkkala Iittala Finland Set of 4 Martini Cocktail Glasses
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Tapio Wirkkala Iittala Finland Set of 4 Martini Cocktail Glasses Design Tapio Wirkkala 1952 4.5 diameter x 6.25 tall An elegant silhouette is...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Crystal

Tapio Wirkkala for Ittala Lunaria Ice Block Bowl
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in New York, NY
Nice 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 Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Art Glass

Tapio Wirkkala Lead Crystal Glass Bowl with Incised Geometric Design
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Ferndale, MI
Large low thick glass bowl with incised geometric designs. Signed Tapio Wirkkala with hardly legible number.
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Crystal

Tapio Wirkkala Footed Art Glass Bowl for Iittala
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Toledo, OH
Spectacular large cut and blown-molded sculptural footed bowl cast in clear glass by Finnish artist and designer Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) for Iittala. Model number 3543. This piece...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Glass

Tapio Wirkkala Mid-Century Modernist "Pallas" Art Glass Vase
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Downingtown, PA
Tapio Wirkkala Mid-Century Modernist "Pallas" art glass vase, 1984-95 From a collection of Wirkkala glass vessels-ask for details. Impressive Mid-Century still-molded vase cast ...
Category

Late 20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Glass

1970's Tapio Wirkkala 4 Niva Whiskey glasses + Seita Ice Bucket Iittala Finland
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Set 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

1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Vintage Art Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, 1954
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Art glass vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1954 A large vintage art glass vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Glassworks in ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Art Glass

Tapio Wirkkala Mid-Century Glass Footed Bowl, Inari Pattern
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Downingtown, PA
Tapio Wirkkala glass footed bowl, Inari, Model number 3543. Impressive cut and blown-molded footed bowl cast in clear glass by Finnish artist and designer, Tapio Wirkkala. Mode...
Category

Late 20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Glass

Ice Glass Bowl "Lunaria" by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1972
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A vintage "Lunaria" bowl designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Glassworks in 1972. Marked with etched signature 'TAPIO WIRKKALA' on the rim. Iittala model number 3449. An authentic ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Art Glass

1956 SIGNED Tapio Wirkkala Combed Crystal Art Objects by Littala (4 Pieces)
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in North Miami, FL
These etched SIGNED Tapio Wirkkala combed cut crystal grouping of bowls and cup are styled after large leaves which was one of Wirkkala's favorite motifs to use in his art glass. One flat bowl is higher than the other slightly and all have texture from the combed cut technique. Heavy and important collection. Dimensions: Flat bowls are 6 inches wide 7.25 long and 1.25 high, small canoe style dish is 6.5 inches long 3 inches wide, 2.25 inches high, small cup is 3.25 inches diameter and 2.25 inches tall. BIOGRAPHY: 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...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Crystal

Set of 8 Mid-Century Finnish Aslak Glasses by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Finnish Aslak Glasses by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, Set of 8, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 Official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs, des...
Category

20th Century Finnish Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Glass

Vase made in Finland, Sign: Tapio Wirkkala Littala 57
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Tapio Wirkkala (June 2, 1915 – May 19, 1985) was a Finnish designer and sculptor, one of the pioneers of industrial art in his country. His work in design was recognized in the years...
Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Glass

Tapio Wirkkala Cup Filigrana for Venini Murano Signed, 1980s
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Milano, IT
Rare Murano hand blown dark amethyst/black "Filigrana Nera" cup. Excellent and very fine cylindrical cup with "black filigree" designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Venini, Murano, circa 19...
Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Murano Glass

Set of 4 1970s Icicle Art Aslak Whiskey Glasses by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of 4 Icicle Art Aslak Whiskey Glasses designed by Tapio Wirkkala for renowned Finnish glass company Iittala. These are small and could also be shot or aperitif glasses. Perfect ...
Category

1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Tapio Wirkkala, "Pavoni", 1989
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Paris, FR
Tapio Wirkkala 'Pavoni' Vase, c. 1989 Execution: Venini, blown glass, red and cream. Signed: Venini murano, incised signature. (Picture 3 & 4) H : 20 cm (7.9") Overall Very goo...
Category

1990s Finnish Post-Modern Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Glass

Scandinavian Modern Iittala Large Glass Fruit Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Chicago, IL
Scandinavian Modern Large Glass Fruit Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala in the Ultima Thule line. The footed bowl has textured sides that reference the northern icy terrain of Scand...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Art Glass

Tapio Wirkkala - Blue Cobalt - Ultima Thule set of 6 Mugs - 1968
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
This stunning set of 6 Tapio Wirkkala Ultima Thule mugs showcases the designer’s legendary craftsmanship and his deep connection to the nat...
Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Glass

Scandinavian Modern IIttala Set of 12 Fruit Bowls by Tapio Wirkkala
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of 12 Scandinavian Modern individual art glass dessert bowls by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala in the Ultima Thule line. The bowls have textured sides that reference the northern icy...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Art Glass

1960's Large Scandinavian Stellaria Glass Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala Finland
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Wayne, NJ
A gorgeous textured glass bowl from the "Stellaria" series by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala of Finland. Modeled #3450 and featuring Tapio's Classic "i...
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Glass

Tapio Wirkkala Polipo Venini Plate Murano Sculpture, 1990
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
Located in Paris, IDF
Rare beautiful Tapio Wirkkala “Polipo” plate for Venini, from the serie “Piatti di Tapio” signed and dated Venini TW 90 on the back, made of Murano glass using Incalmo technique. The...
Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Murano Glass

Vase by Tapio Wirkkala, Finland, Scandinavian Midcentury Design, "Kantarelli"
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in New York, NY
Vase by Tapio Wirkkala, one of the most famous designers in Scandinavia. The vase is signed. It is hand blown. This is the small vase of the group "Kantarelli". The vase is produced ...
Category

20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Blown Glass

Tapio Wirkkala Velvet Art Glass Vase "Jäkälä" model 3516, Iittala 1950s Finland
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful art glass vase model 3516, designed by Tapio Wirkkala and manufactured by Iittala in Finland in the 1950s. In the manufacturing process the glass is blown in to a special...
Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Art Glass

Tapio Wirkkala Line-engraved Vase Model 3327, Iittala 1950s Finland
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful Line-engraved art glass vase model 3327, designed by Tapio Wirkkala and manufactured by Iittala in Finland in the 1950s. in the manufacturing process the glass is blown i...
Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Art Glass

Ice Glass Vase / bowl / centerpiece by Tapio Wirkkala for Humppila, 1960s
By Humppila 1, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Buffalo, NY
Ice Glass Vase / bowl / centerpiece by Tapio Wirkkala for Humppila, 1960s,, Stunning brutalist design,, Amazing blue color,, Retains original label.
Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Art Glass

Vase Kantarelli by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittalla, 1953
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
The Chanterelle vase was designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1947 for Iittalla in Finland. The ‘Kantarelli’ vase takes its name and shape from the chanterelle mushroom. It is one of the g...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Art Glass

Tapio Wirkkala for Venini Large Hand-Blown Glass Charger 1966 'Signed'
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
Located in New York, NY
Large hand-blown glass charger with mezza filigrana and white glass center by Tapio Wirkkala for Venini, Murano Italy, 1966 (signed on bottom “Venini Italia TW”). Tapio Wirkkala was one of the most important Finnish mid-century designers. He collaborated with Venini to make unique glass art pieces. Reference: Venini Catalogue...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Murano Glass

Tapio Wirkkala, "Tiima", set of 4 champagne glasses for Iittala
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Klintehamn, SE
Set of 4 champagne glasses, "Tiima", designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1958. Produced by Iittala from 1958-1973. Comes in original box. Never used. 3 sets available as this is posted.
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Glass

Tapio Wirkkala, Rare "Piatto di tiapo", 1970
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Paris, FR
Tapio Wirkkala Very rare 'Piatto di tiapo' Plate, c. 1970 Venini, glass, cream and blue. Unique Exemplar. Signed : Venini and Wirkkala Measure: D : 49.5 cm (19.27") Overall very...
Category

1970s Finnish Post-Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Glass

Tapio Wirkkala Glass Tray Model 3369-3869 by Iittala in Finland
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare glass tray model 3369-3869 designed by Tapio Wirkkala. Produced by Iittala in Finland. Signed and dated TAPIO WIRKKALA IITTALA -58.
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Glass

Murano glass plate by Tapio Wirkkala for Venini, Murano Italy, 1980
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Vicenza, VI
Piatto di Tapio Wirkkala per Venini, lavorato in vetro soffiato ad incalmo con filigrana. The incalmo technique consists of hot coupling two blown shapes along their circumference, s...
Category

1980s Italian Other Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Glass

Materials

Murano Glass

Tapio Wirkkala glass for sale on 1stDibs.

Tapio Wirkkala glass are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of glass and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Tapio Wirkkala glass, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 56 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 1 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original glass by Tapio Wirkkala were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider glass by Nuutajärvi Notsjõ, Kaj Franck, and Iittala. Prices for Tapio Wirkkala glass can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $175 and can go as high as $16,173, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,509.

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