Tapio Wirkkala, 1968 – Iittala
A protean genius, Tapio Wirkkala is considered the pioneer of modern Finnish industrial art.
Inspired by an ice-covered Finnish island, Wirkkala spent almost a thousand hours with the glassblowers of Iittala Glassworks to create the Ultima Thule series, which defies the rules of glassblowing and has quickly become iconic.
Featuring a round base supported by three ice spikes that float above the surface, the Ultima Thule collection brings a piece of arctic nature into any interior. A great gift.
Set of 2 cordials 5 cl
Ø4,8 x H5,7 cm
Set of 2 O.f. 20 cl
Ø7 x H8,8 cm
Set of 2 on-the-rocks 28 cl
Ø8,6 x H10,4 cm
Set of 2 cocktail 38 cl
Ø8,6 x H12,5 cm
Set of 2 champagne 18 cl
Ø5,6 x H11,5 cm
Set of 2 beer 60 cl
Ø8,6 x H14,9 cm
Set of 2 white wine 16 cl
Ø6 x H13 cm
Set of 2 red wine 23 cl
Ø7,6 x H12,3 cm
Set of 2 water 34 cl
Ø7,3 x H15 cm
Pitcher 1,5 L
Ø13 x H20,5 cm
Pitcher 0,5 L
Ø12,5 x H22 cm
Plate
Ø25 x H2 cm
Plate
Ø19 x H2 cm
Bowl
Ø37 x H7,5 cm
Set of 2 bowl
Ø11,5 cm
Bowl Ø20 x H9 cm
Clear vase 18 x 19,2 cm
Clear vase 8,5 x 9,7 cm
Ceramic vase 8,5 x 9,7 cm
Tealight candleholder Ø6,5 cm
Tealight candleholder Ø6,5 cm
Tapio Wirkkala
Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) was a multitalented design genius, widely considered a leading figure of modern Finnish industrial art. Tapio Wirkkala's wide ranging portfolio spans from glass, furniture and product design to sculpture, city planning, art, graphics and even creating banknotes for the Finnish treasury. As his reputation grew internationally, Tapio Wirkkala exhibited throughout the world but he was a recluse by nature.Â
His favorite place was a spot so remote within the deep woodlands of middle Finland that helicopters delivered prototypes to his hut since no car could reach him. It was in nature that he found his much loved solitude and the inspiration for forms that industry could produce or artwork could create. Throughout his incredibly productive career, Tapio Wirkkala received numerous awards including three gold medals at the Milan Triennale, the Lunning Prize, Pro Finlandia Medal and the Prince Eugen Medal.
In 1946, Tapio Wirkkala won his first design award in a competition sponsored by Iittala that would mark a lifelong relationship with lasting effects on his career and the company. As Iittala’s artistic director, Tapio Wirkkala’s unique artistic vision helped establish the company’s global reputation. Throughout his legendary career, the uniquely talented artist created more than four hundred glass objects for Iittala, many of which, like the Ultima Thule and Tapio series remain popular today.