Tapio Wirkkala - A Sterling Silver Art-object, Model TW 36 - Kultakeskus, Finland 1959

Artist

Tapio Wirkkala (1915 Hanko, Finland - 1985 Helsinki, Finland) A giant of Finnish design, Wirkkala was an artist of great diversity for whom no material was alien and who left no area of design unexplored.

A glass design competition held by the Iittala glassworks in 1946 was the event that set his career in motion; the first prize went jointly to Wirkkala and Kaj Franck.

With an oeuvre that ranges from exceptionally beautiful pieces of glass art to industrial design in the form of beer bottles and banknotes, Wirkkala also designed jewellery, sculptures, and furniture.

The recipient of many awards, honorary titles, and a doctorate, Wirkkala won three Grand Prix medals at the Milan Triennale in 1954 and an additional Grand Prix medal and gold medal at the Milan Triennale in 1960.

Description

A first grade silver (Sterling) flower vase / art object, designed in 1954 by Tapio Wirkalla and executed by the silversmiths of Kultakeskus in 1959.

The shape of the vase is oval with two accolades on either side, that taper in a loop to the top and terminate in two outwardly curling lips.

This art object is model TW 34 in the oeuvre of the Finnish master and was released in serial production in one size, namely 19 cm high. This particular specimen is a fine early example and is fully marked and in good vintage conditions (no inscriptions or dents).

Price including VAT: Sold