Tapio Wirkkala - A Sterling Silver flowervase - Kultakeskus, Finland 1962

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) flowervase / art object, designed circa 1954 by Tapio Wirkalla and executed by the silversmiths of Kultakeskus in 1962.

This object has not been included in the oeuvre catalogue and therefore has no known modelnumber.

The shape of the flowervase is oval with two accolades on either side, that run straight to the narrow top and terminate in two outwardly curling lips.

Price including VAT: Sold