Tapio Wirkkala - Crystal, line cut art-object, model 3550 - Iittala Finland 1954

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

Turned mold-blown, line cut crystal Art-object, model 3550. Designed circa 1952 by Tapio Wirkkala and executed in 1954 by the craftsmen of Iittala glassworks.

These objects were produced between 1952 and 1959 and only made in one size. Like so many designs of Wirkkala this design was clearly inspired by nature.

Signed underneath the base in diamondpen: Tapio Wirkkala - Iittala - '54 (1954).

Price including VAT: Sold