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 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 rare art glass bowl, designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Glassworks in the 1950s. Mold-blown, crystal-clear gla...
Art Glass
Finnish Mid Century Decorative Birch Wooden Dish Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala, 1950s
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very rare and iconic Finnish mid century decorative sculptural dish bowl in carved laminated birch wood designed and produced by Tapio Wirkkala, 1950s. In good original condition ...
Birch
Large Stump of a Tree Art Glass Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1951
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Stump of a Tree Art Glass Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1951 A large 'Kalvolan kanto' (stump of a tree) bowl designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Glassworks in 1951. Mo...
Art Glass
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
Mid Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala "Inari" Glass Bowl from Littala Glass Factory
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Mid Century Modern Tapio Wirkkala "Inari" Glass Bowl, Iittala Glass Factory, Finland. Signed by the designer with model number. An exceptional, sculptural, footed bowl designed by Ta...
Glass
$1,400Sale Price / set|46% Off
Tapio Wirkkala Pair of 'Leaf' Dishes in Silver for Kultakeskus Oy, 1959 - 1960
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant pair of leaf form dishes, models TW-5 (l.) and TW-4 (r.), designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus Oy. Both are in fine condition with all requisite hallmarks and "TW" s...
Silver
$304Sale Price|20% Off
Tapio Wirkkala Glass Leaf Bowl Signed
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in San Diego, CA
Crystal, line cut leaf bowl by Finnish artist and designer Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala. Wirkkala’s themes often come from nature, like leaves, water, or ...
Crystal
Large Venini Bowl 'Coreano', Designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1966
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
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
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
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.
Art Glass
Tapio Wirkkala's Snail bowl in silver
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A great little solid silver handworked "snail" bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus Oy.
Silver
Modernist Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus Oy, 1960s
By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An impeccably crafted sculptural small bowl having a bold asymmetrical form and rendered in warmly patinated copper.
Copper
Iittala Ultima Thule 56oz Serving Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Tapio 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...
Glass
Tapio Wirkkala Bronze Bowl, Kultakeskus Oy 1990s
By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Kiiminki, FI
Tapio Wirkkala Bronze Bowl with original box Kultakeskus Oy 1990s.
Bronze
Scandinatian Modern Brutalist Iittala Aslak Vessel Tapio Wirkkala Finland 1970s
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Miami, FL
Tapio Wirkkala designed the ASLAK heavy Glass Bowl/Ashtray and was produced by Iittala in the 1970s. This one designed with a map of Europe prominently displayed, in relief on the ba...
Art Glass
SIlver Tapio Wirkkala bowl TW 282
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A beautiful handmade to order solid silver bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus .
$274Sale Price|20% Off
Wirkkala Bowl - Revontulet - An Icon of Scandinavian Design, Finland 1960
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Herentals, BE
This breathtaking glass bowl – Revontulet or Northern Lights, designed by the legendary Tapio Wirkkala, exudes a timeless elegance that fits perfectly into any interior style. Wirkka...
Glass
Sterling Silver Catchall Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hammered Sterling Silver Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala (1915 - 1985). Wirkkala was an iconic post war designer whose Finnish designs are still as influential today. The bowl has a hammered ...
Sterling Silver
Stellaria Ice Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala 1960s Littala Finland #3450
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Textured glass bowl from the "Stellaria" series by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Finland. Model #3450. Classic "ice" design. Excellent condition. Etched signed "Tapio Wirkkala #3450" on...
Glass
Large Venini Bowl 'Coreano', Designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1966
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
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
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 ...
Art Glass
Tapio Wirkkala / ART OBJECT / ASHTRAY "ICE BREAKER" 3318 / Iittala
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
Manufactured from 1963 to 1974 and from 1986 to 1987. This piece features a base approximately 30 mm thick, with icebergs and ice floes of various sizes floating on the sea surface, ...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Tapio Wirkkala, Bowl, Glass, Finland, 1970s
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in High Point, NC
A glass bowl designed by Tapio Wirkkala and produced by Iittala, Finland, c. 1970s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 4.75" Height x 7.75" Diameter All items ship from High Point, North...
Glass
Set Of Three Different Size Tapio Wirkkala Bronze Bowls, Kultakeskus Oy 1970s
By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Helsinki, FI
Tapio Wirkkala designed a large number of items for Kultakeskus OY. Materials ranged from silver to bronze and other metals. This particular model was introduced in 1971 in a number ...
Bronze
Tapio Wirkkala / ART OBJECT 3538 / Iittala
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
Manufactured from 1952 to 1955. One of a series of pieces using comb-cut, introduced in 1952 as a new surface decoration technique following the line-cut used in one of his best-know...
Art Glass, Blown 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
Stump of a Tree Art Glass Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1951
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Stump of a Tree Art Glass Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1951 A vintage 'Kalvolan kanto' (stump of a tree) bowl designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Glassworks in 1951. Mold b...
Art Glass
Large Vintage Art Glass Bowl 'Sulka' by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1950s
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Vintage Art Glass Bowl 'Sulka' by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1950s A large vintage art glass bowl 'Sulka' (feather) designed by Tapio Wirkkala...
Art Glass
Massive Stump of a Tree Art Glass Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1951
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Massive Stump of a Tree Art Glass Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1951 Large bowl “Kalvolan kanto” (tree stump), designed by Tapio Wirkkala for the Iittala glassworks in 1951. Mo...
Art Glass
$680Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Glass
Large 'Stellaria' Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Dronten, NL
A masterwork of Scandinavian glass design, this large “Stellaria” bowl #3450 by Tapio Wirkkala embodies the Finnish designer’s poetic relationship with nature. Produced by Iittala, t...
Glass
Tapio Wirkkala Glass Leaf "Lehti" Bowl Collection - Includes 3 Finland 1960s
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Dallas, TX
This exquisite collection features three art glass leaf bowls by renowned Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala, created for Iittala—a testament to mid-century Scandinavian artistry. Each ...
Art Glass
Large Lunaria Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, 1972
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in BARCELONA, ES
The 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...
Glass
$2,324Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Murano Glass Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Venini, 1980s signed
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Milano, IT
Murano glass bowl designed by Tapio Wirkkala for the fine Italian manufacturer Venini in the 1980s. The vase is part of the "Coreani" series. The workmanship is particular, in tran...
Murano Glass
Bronze bowls by Tapio Wirkkala Models 446-448, Kultakeskus 1970s
By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Helsinki, FI
Tapio Wirkkala designed a large number of items fo Kultakeskus OY. Materials ranged from silver to bronze and other metals. This particular model was introduced in 1971 in a number of different sizes ranging from 160-290 mm. 48 pieces of these were given in 1978 World Champions sky competition in Lahti, Finland. This was also officially introduced in an exhibition in London in 1972. This design is of course very functional as well, since these bowls can be used for a variety of reasons, such as fruit bowls and so on. These 2 pieces came from the same household, so they sustain similar patina, since they aged in the same surroundings. The measures 25x8 cm are for the bigger bowl.. The smaller one is 16x7 cm. The bigger bowl has beautiful darker beauty marks or vintage spots 🙂 that only come with age and use, refer to pictures please. Rarely does a designer command such an expansive talent and career as Wirkkala did. Inspired by nature and armed with exceptional understanding of geomety and ratios, his designs literally shaped much of our daily lives. Designs ranging from daily items such as money...
Bronze
$3,000 / set
Handmade Bowls
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Munich, DE
beautiful hand made on order bowls by tapio wirkkala for kultakeskus oy. bowls are stamped with makers maker and in good condition. located in hamburg.
Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal, 'Karelia' Porcelain Leaf-Pattern Dish, 1970s
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in London, GB
Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal, c. 1970 ‘Karelia’ leaf-pattern dish White porcelain Very good condition with only very minor marks Dimensions, approx..: lenght 28cm, width 9cm...
Ceramic
Tapio Wirkkala Finland circa 1970 glass with bubbles bowl.
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Tapio Wirkkala finland blue and green glass circa 1970 bowl with bubbles.
Glass