Tapio Wirkkala - A glass Art-object "Medusa", model 501.2 - Venini, Italy circa 1966

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 rare “Medusa” Art-object, model 501.2 in freeblown filigrain mauve and clear glass cased in aquamarine coloured glass.

Designed in 1966 by Tapio Wirkkala and handmade by the craftsman of the Venini glassworks on the Island of Murano in Venice probably late 1960's.

The "Medusa" was made in 5 different sizes ( 11, 12, 14, 16 & 32 cm in height) in either white or mauve filigrain, encased in blue glass. This particular piece is a mauve 14 cm tall example.

It's fully singed in diamondpen underneath the base: Venini - Italia -TW (Tapio Wirkkala)

Price including VAT: Sold