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.
Large Mid-Century Modern Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala
By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Impressive, statuesque glass vase by Finnish designer, Tapio Wirkkala, for Rosenthal Studio-Line of Germany. Composed of thick glass sculpted to look like ice. Largest example manufa...
Glass
A Pair of Tapio Wirkkala Bronze Bird Sculptures, Kultakeskus Hämeenlinna, 1970s
By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Helsinki, FI
A couple of nice Tapio Wirkkala bronze bird sculptures (paper weights). Both items are in beautiful original condition with nice vintage patinas. Alt...
Bronze
$16,000 / set
Pair of Murano Sconces
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of murano wall sconces, monumental is size and stature. Made of multiple hand blown Venini art glass, shades hangs on steel frame with up and down lights.
Steel
Finger Art Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1951
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Finger Art Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1951 A vintage 'Jäkälä' (lichen or finger) vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Glassworks in 1...
Art Glass
Tapio Wirkkala Rosenthal Germany Studio Line Polygon White & Gold Serving Bowl
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in New York, NY
A multi-sided porcelain serving bowl in the Polygon pattern designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Germany's Studio Line collection. All white with gold edged sides.
Porcelain
$3,250Sale Price|31% Off
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...
Crystal
The Arctic Edge: Tapio Wirkkala's Sculptural 'Inari' Ice Glass Bowl
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Downingtown, PA
The Arctic Edge: Tapio Wirkkala's Sculptural 'Inari' Ice Glass Bowl This striking, low-profile Glass Bowl is a key piece in the body of work created by Finnish design master Tapio W...
Glass
$200Sale Price|20% Off
Freeform Crystal Iceberg Ashtray / Catch All by Tapio Wirkkala Iittala Finland
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous freeform crystal iceberg ashtray / catch all by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Finland, circa 1980s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and meas...
Crystal
Art Glass Vase with Sodium Bubbles Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1940s
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Art Glass Vase with Sodium Bubbles Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1940s A rare art glass vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Glassworks in the 1940s. Free blown crystal clear gl...
Art Glass
VENINI Coreani Blue & Green year 1991, handmade in Italy
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
Located in Venezia, IT
VENINI Coreani Green & Blue year 1991, signed on the base, and accompanied by its original Venini box and paperwork. The Venini Coreani vase in Green & Blue is a striking ex...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
T. Wirkkala for Rosenthal Studio-Line Porcelain Noire, Six Person Mocha Service
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in København, Copenhagen
Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Studio-line porcelain noire, six person mocha service in black and white porcelain, modern design, fluted. Designed in 1962. Consisting of six mocha cups with saucers, sugar bowl, creamer and mocha jug...
Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Flatware, Extensive 91 Piece Set
By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal
Located in Atlanta, GA
Modernist stainless steel flatware set, designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal, Austria, circa 1963. This is a large set containing 91 pieces total. They are constructed of dishwas...
Stainless Steel
Two Early Vessel Designs by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in San Mateo, CA
Two early designs by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala of Finland. These consist of a vase model number 3287 and a bowl model number 5023. They first appeared in the Iittala catalog in 1948...
Glass
Large Venini Vase 'Coreano', Designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1966
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
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...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Rare Art Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1950s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Rare Art Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1950s A vintage art glass vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Glassworks in the 1950s. Mold blown crystal clear glass with ...
Art Glass
Pair of Modernist Tapio Wirkkala Serving Trays in Alpaca & Teak, TW 225, 1960s
By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful pair of serving trays, model TW 225, designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus in Finland in 1959. Combining sculptural simplicity with exceptional craftsmanship, the tr...
Teak, Alpaca
Aulis Leinonen and Tapio Wirkkala Beech & Rythmic Veneer Trolley, Asko 1950s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Asko
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
A Pair of Tapio Wirkkala, Leaf Serving Bowls In Silver & Teak, TW-85, 1960s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful pair of leaf shaped silver bowls with teak handles, designed by Tapio Wirkkala and manufactured by Kultakeskus Oy in Finland in the 1960s. A perfect display of Wirkkala i...
Silver
Large Vintage Art Glass Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1950s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Vintage Art Glass Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1950s A rare art glass bowl, designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Glassworks in the 1950s. Mold-blown, crystal-clear gla...
Art Glass
Tapio Wirkalla for Iitalla Finnish Modern Pinus Pine Crystal Glass Vase 1970s
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Vintage crystal glass vase entitled Pinus or Pine created by Tapio Wirkalla for Iitalla circa 1970. Inspired by natures organic forms of wood and ice. In very good vintage conditi...
Glass
$185Sale Price / item|67% Off
Tapio Wirkkala Large Pinja Crystal Vase for Iittala Finland, Scandinavian Modern
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Beautiful Pinja vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala and made in Finland by Iittala. This heavy and high quality crystal vase is hand blown with a flat and polished asymmetrical rim and ...
Crystal
Mid-Century Tapio Wirkkala “Paper Bag" Vase For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal
Located in London, GB
For sale is an iconic Mid-Century porcelain “Paper Bag" Vase designed by Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala, circa 1977, for Rosenthal’s Studio Line "DO NOT LITTER" range. This example...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Rare Tapio Wirkkala Reindeer Antlers Coffee Table Model 9020, Elm, Asko 1950s
By Asko, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Helsinki, FI
An exceedingly rare Tapio Wirkkala coffee table model 9020 aka Reindeer Antlers due inspiration behind the design taken from Reindeers native to Lapland where Tapio Wirkkala spent mu...
Glass, Elm
Two Tapio Wirkkala Line-engraved Glass Art Pieces Model 3561, Iittala, 1950s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Helsinki, FI
Two Tapio Wirkkala Tulip art objects / vases model 3561 for Iittala. As Wirkkala was inspired by nature, these pieces were no exception and he drew his inspiration from emerging tuli...
Blown 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....
Glass
A Rare Tapio Wirkkala Rhythmic Veneer Coffee Table Model 9018, Asko 1950s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Asko
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare version of the Tapio Wirkkala rhythmic veneer coffee table model 9018, aka "Angel Wings" due to the symmetric wong resembling rhythmic lines on top. The legs are detachable an...
Aluminum
Pair of Tapio Wirkkala Adjustable Floor Lamps Model K10-11 in Red, Idman 1950s
By Idman, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Helsinki, FI
A pair of the iconic Tapio Wirkkala floor lamp model K10-11 manufactured and stamped by Idman. The pair retains all original parts and is in beautiful condition with repainted metal ...
Metal, Brass
Minimalist Tapio Wirkkala Pendant Model 51129 in White Opaline Glass, 1950s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Idman Oy, Iittala
Located in Helsinki, FI
An elegant ceiling lamp model. 51129 in white opaline glass, designed by Tapio Wirkkala and manufactured in a joint effort by Idman & Iittala in Finland in the 1950s. This very m...
Brass
Tapio Wirkkala Necklase Hopeakuu "Silver Moon", Finland 1973
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Kiiminki, FI
Tapio Wirkkala Sterling Silver Necklase Hopeakuu "Siver Moon", Pendant diameter 6.5cm and chain length 50cm. Manufactured by Nils Westerback Kultakeskus, Finland 1973. Very nice vint...
Silver
Tapio Wirkkala for Littala 1970's Centerpiece
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Parma, IT
Crystal centerpiece designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1970s. Central part with "ice" effect. In excellent conditions.
Glass
Tapio Wirkkala for Venini Murano glass centerpiece/bowl "Coreano" 90
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great simple design bowl by the well known artis/ designer Tapio Wirkkala. made for Venini , dated 90, signed
Murano Glass
Tapio Wirkkala 'Crane' Articulating Table Lamp in White for Innolux Oy
By Innolux Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tapio Wirkkala 'Crane' Articulating Table Lamp in White for Innolux Oy. Originally produced as a floor lamp in the 1950s as the Model #K-10-11 by Idman, this newly authorized re-edit...
Aluminum, Brass
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...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Tapio Wirkkala 'Crane' Articulating Table Lamp in Black for Innolux Oy
By Innolux Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tapio Wirkkala 'Crane' Articulating Table Lamp in Black for Innolux Oy. Originally produced as a floor lamp in the 1950s as the Model #K-10-11 by Idman, this newly authorized re-edit...
Aluminum, Brass
Venini Medium Bolle Glass Vase in White and Green by Tapio Wirkkala
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase in white and green designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1966. Perfect for indoor home decor as container or statement piece for any room...
Art Glass
Tapio Wirkkala Murano Glass Vase for Venini. Italy 1970s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
Located in Milan, IT
Tapio Wirkkala Blue and Transparent Murano Glass Vase for Venini. Original Venini Label and Acid Etched Signature.
Murano Glass
Vintage Art Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, 1954
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
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 ...
Art 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 ...
Art Glass
Tapio Wirkkala for Ittala Lunaria Ice Block Bowl
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
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.
Art Glass
Venini Small Bolle Glass Vase in White and Red by Tapio Wirkkala
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase in white and red designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1966. Perfect for indoor home decor as container or statement piece for any room. ...
Art Glass
Tapio Wirkkala, Set of Silver Pitchers and Cups, 18 Pieces, Finland 1970s
By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Amarillo, TX
Tapio Wirkkala. Set of silver pitchers and cups, 18 pieces. Kultakeskus Oy, Hämeenlinna, Finland. Marked with makers mark, Finnish assay mark, 925H, Hämeenlinna town mark, year...
Sterling Silver
Tapio Wirkkala Commissioned Cigar Box In Silver and Teak, 1970s
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Helsinki, FI
Very rare and unique cigar box in teak and silver. Designed by Tapio Wirkkala. Very sleak and elegant piece for someone who appreciates the "finer things" in life. The item is mark...
Silver
Tapio Wirkkala Melting Ice Vase, Miracus Model 3433, Iittala 1970s Finland
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful art glass vase "Miracus", model 3433, designed by Tapio Wirkkala and manufactured by Iittala in Finland in the 1970s. The vase is mouth blown into an engraved wooden mold...
Art Glass
Tapio Wirkkala / VASE TW228 / Hopeakeskus / 1964
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
Tapio Wirkkala is one of the pioneers of modern design in Finnish precious metals as well as glass design. Together with Bertel gardberg, he laid the foundations of modern design in...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Tapio Wirkkala Inlaid Coffee Table for Asko Danish Modern
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Inlaid Danish Modern Coffee Table, designed by Tapio Wirkkala, Finland, circa 1960s. Signed with brand underneath. Retains warm original patina.
Brass
Iittala Iceblock Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala 1951
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Iittala Iceblock Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala 1951 Rare art glass bowl “Jäänsärö” (ice block or iceberg), designed by Tapio Wirkkala for the Iittala glassworks in 1951. Mold-blown and ham...
Art Glass
Mid-Century Tapio Wirkkala “Paper Bag" Vase For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in London, GB
For sale the iconic “Bag Vase”, designed by the great Finnish glassmaker, industrial designer and artist, Tapio Wirkkala, circa 1977, for Rosenthal’s Studio Line "DO NOT LITTER" rang...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Tapio Wirkkala Spiral Silver Dish model 143, Kultakeskus Hämeenlinna, 1973
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful decorative dish in silver, designed by Tapio Wirkkala and manufactured by Kultakeskus Oy in 1973 Finland. This piece is documented in Tapio Wirkkala's book and the model ...
Silver
Venini Bolle 503.00 Glass Vase, Pink, Green & Red - Tapio Wirkkala - Damiani
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Venini Design: Tapio Wirkkala Model: Bubbles 503.00 Collection: Bubbles Year: 1966 Made in: Italy Create a magical atmosphere with a unique piece of Murano glass. The Bolle c...
Glass
Large Vintage Art Glass Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1950s
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Vintage Art Glass Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1950s A large art glass bowl, designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Glassworks in the 1...
Art Glass
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...
Glass
NOS iittala Finland "ULTIMA THULE" Glass Candle Holder in Box by Tapio Wirkkala
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in St. Louis, MO
Tapio Wirkkala (1915–1985) ULTIMA THULE collection for iittala Finland c. 1968. New old stock glass candle holder still in the original packing with iittala Red I label. Takes 1.5" ...
Glass
$22,400Sale Price|20% Off
Tapio Wirkkala Coffee Table
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Designed for Asko, Finland in 1958. These tables are highly sought after and regarded as Tapio Wirkkala's most important production furniture. Made from hand-sculpted solid el...
Elm
Black Tapio Wirkkala Adjustable Floor Lamp Model K10-11, Idman 1950s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Idman
Located in Helsinki, FI
This example of the iconic Tapio Wirkkala floor lamp manufactured and stamped by Idman, retains all original parts and is in beautiful condition. The lamp has been rewired and metal ...
Metal, Brass
Bolle Vase in Straw-Yellow and Grass Green by Tapio Wirkkala
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Perfection lies in the middle, striking the perfect balance. A vase turns into a bottle for Tapio Wirkkala. Straw Yellow and Apple Green. Two distinct spaces of colour that blend tog...
Glass
Set of Three Vintage Rosenthal Ceramic Sculptural Paper Bags by Tapio Wirkkaia
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in North Miami, FL
This vintage set of 3 complete white glazed ceramic crushed bags of white porcelain were manufactured by Rosenthal and designed by Tapio Wirkkala in the 1970s. They are called " The ...
Ceramic
Venini Piatto Di Tapio Plate in Red & Aquamarine by Tapio Wirkkala
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini Piatto Di Tapio in red/aquamarine by Tapio Wirkkala. Numbered Edition for year. “Piatto di Tapio” blown plate with thick handmade center, realized with the “incalmo” technique...
Glass
$1,310Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Murano Glass
Sculptural Swedish Modern Teak "Gondola" Tray by Tapio Wirkkala for Kalmar
By Tapio Wirkkala, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gondola-form teakwood tray manufactured in the 1960s by Tapio Wirkkala for Kalmar of Sweden. Elegant, graceful form with rich color and vibrant teakwood grain. Conservatively ref...
Teak
Tapio Wirkkala Hopeakuu " Siver Moon " earrings
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Kiiminki, FI
Tapio Wirkkala Sterling Silver Earrings Hopeakuu "Siver Moon", Earrings diameter 2,8cm. Manufactured by Nils Westerback Kultakeskus, Finland 1971. Very nice vintage condition.
Silver