| Marked | Kultakeskus Oy |
|---|---|
| Execution | Kultakeskus in collaboration with Iittala – circa 1975. Handmade to Order. |
| Condition | This Birdsculpture, TW 513 is in very good vintage condition. No malformations, some very minor scratches and stains. All consistent with age and use. There are no cracks or chips on the base, some scratches underneath the base. |
| Literature | Marianne Aav, TAPIO WIRKKALA eye, hand and thought: p. 10, p. 17, p. 86, p.244, p. 245, p. 290, p. 369. |
| Dimensions | Model TW 513 |
Tapio Wirkkala – A sculpture of a bird “Suokurppa” on a glass stand, model TW513 – Kultakeskus / Iittala, Finland ca. 1975
Price upon Request
Availability: 1 in stock
A sculpture of a bird, most resembling a snipe. The Finnish name for the sculpure is “Suokurppa”, which translates into Bog or Marsh Snipe.
Tapio Wirkkala sculpted these birdsculptures in 1975 and they are modelnumber TW 513 in his oeuvre. The Finnish metalmaking firm, Kultakeskus made these sculptures by hand and only by order. They could be ordered in silver, bronze or aluminium on either a glass or wooden base.
This particular sculpture was made of aluminium and is mounted on a glass mount. The sculpture is marked underneath the tail: Kultakeskus Oy – Design: Tapio Wirkkala – Made in Finland.
The glass base is not marked but due to Wirkkala’s long standing association with iittala glassworks it’s save to say these bases were most likely made there.
As these sculptures were never made in serial production they are rare and sought after. They have been included in many important museal and private collections.
About Tapio Wirkkala
Tapio Wirkkala (1915 Hanko, Finland – 1985 Helsinki, Finland) was a Finnish designer and artist, best known for his work in glass and other materials. Born in Hanko, Finland, Wirkkala studied at the Central School of Arts and Crafts in Helsinki and later at the Helsinki University of Technology. Throughout his career, Wirkkala worked in a wide range of mediums, including glass, ceramics, metal, and wood, and was known for his innovative use of materials and his ability to create pieces that were both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Wirkkala’s work is characterized by his use of clean lines, organic shapes, and natural forms. He was particularly inspired by nature and was known for his ability to capture the essence of organic forms in his designs. For example, one of his most famous pieces is the “Birch” vase, which was created by casting liquid glass into a mold made from the trunk of a birch tree. This piece is a prime example of Wirkkala’s ability to combine his love of nature with his expertise in glassblowing techniques.
In addition to his work in glass, Wirkkala was also highly regarded for his work in ceramics. He collaborated with several Finnish ceramics companies, including Arabia and Iittala, and was known for his ability to create pieces that were both beautiful and functional. Some of his most famous ceramics designs include the “Finlandia” vase and the “Rye” dish. These pieces, like much of Wirkkala’s work, are recognized for their simple yet elegant designs and their timeless appeal.
Wirkkala was also a prolific industrial designer and worked with a number of well-known Finnish companies, including Kultakeskus, Nuutajärvi, and Iittala. He was known for his ability to create functional and stylish products that were made with the highest quality materials. For example, he designed a range of cutlery for Iittala that is still in production today and is considered to be a classic example of Finnish design.
Throughout his career, Wirkkala received numerous awards and honors for his work. He was a member of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Finland, and his work was exhibited in museums and galleries around the world. Despite his success, Wirkkala remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He once said, “Design should be like a river, flowing and changing with time.”
