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Tapio Wirkkala Sterling Silver

Finnish, 1915-1985

Along with architect Alvar Aalto, the designer Tapio Wirkkala was Finland’s leading contributor to the Scandinavian interpretation of modernism in the mid-20th century. Prolific and innovative, Wirkkala excelled in a wide range of fields, including glass, furniture, porcelain, jewelry and tableware. The hallmark of his talent was an ability to impart a craft aesthetic based on natural forms — leaves, ice, bubbles, birds — to industrially produced designs.

A native of Helsinki, Wirkkala studied at the national School of Applied Arts and took up a career in graphic design. After serving in the Finnish army during World War II, he joined the glassmaking firm Iittala, an association that would continue to the end of his life. Wirkkala learned every aspect of glassmaking in keeping with his belief that an artist-designer should be involved in all stages of production. His best-known works for Iittala are vases and drinking vessels that resemble either carved ice or icicles. In 1956, Wirkkala began a long relationship with the porcelain maker Rosenthal, for whom he designed elegant table pieces, such as the Finlandia coffee service and the biomorphic Pollo vases. 

House Beautiful magazine declared Wirkkala’s Leaf platter the “most beautiful object” of 1951. (The acclaim led to his brief employment stint with industrial designer Raymond Loewy in New York.) That platter was one of the first designs Wirkkala made using laminated sheets of plywood sanded to a smooth surface that resembles an abstract leaf. It would go on to become a motif in many Wirkkala furniture pieces — most notably in inlaid coffee tables for Asko — and in a sense these are the works most emblematic of his personal aesthetic.

Wirkkala was a traditionalist in many ways, but he had a modernist’s practical approach, incorporating his leaf-like spirals into simple, functional objects. That is the core attraction of Wirkkala’s designs: They stand out with a striking, sculptural energy yet blend in as part of a warm and comfortable decor.

Find vintage Tapio Wirkkala furniture on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Tapio Wirkkala
Tapio Wirkkala Finnish Silver Leaf Shape Handled Bon Bon Dish
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning mid-century Finnish silver leaf shaped handled bon bon dish designed by Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) dated 1965. The dish is of a simple leaf shaped design formed like a hea...
Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Tapio Wirkkala Scandinavian modern silver Trumpetti candlesticks Finland 1970's
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in EL Waalre, NL
Tapio Wirkkala Scandinavian modern silver Trumpetti candlesticks Finland 1970's A pair of Sterling silver “Trumpetti” candlesticks, model TW 284. Designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1963 ...
Category

1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Tapio Wirkkala Set of Sterling Silver Hand Hammered Cups and a Pitcher
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Espoo, FI
Silver pitcher, designed by Tapio Wirkkala, manufactured by Kultakeskus Oy, 1970s. Hand hammered silver. Marked and signed. Good vintage condition, minor patina and wear consistent w...
Category

1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Rare Tapio Wirkkala Sterling Punch Pourer
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Party accessory is also a beautiful sculpture. Ball with spouts is submerged in punchbowl to fill, Additionally, the rosewood handle has opening to accept a tube or tap for shots. Fu...
Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Sterling Silver Dish Handmade Finland 1965
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in EL Waalre, NL
Tapio Wirkkala – A Sterling silver dish with teakwood handle, model TW85, Handmade to Order – Kultakeskus, Finland 1965 A Sterling silver leafshaped dish with teakwood handle, model...
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Duo, Silver-Plated Metal Flatware Set for 12 People, Tapio Wirkkala, Christofle
By Tapio Wirkkala, Christofle
Located in Brussels, BE
Designed in 1957 by Tapio Wirkkala, the “Duo” flatware set is made of silver plated metal. It is part of the “Formes Nouvelles” (“New Shapes”) range imagined by the well-known Parisian silversmith Christofle. The flatware set consists of 121 pieces for 12 people: • 12 dinner forks • 12 dinner knives • 12 dinner spoons • 12 fish forks • 12 fish knives • 12 starter forks • 12 starter knives • 12 dessert forks • 12 coffee spoons • 6 mocha spoons • 2 salad servers • 2 vegetables servers...
Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Tapio Wirkkala Kinetic Silver Moon Hopeakuu Pendant, 1974
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hopeakuu (Finnish: silver moon) sterling pendant designed by Tapio Wirkkala, comprising nine concentric rings that move independently around a small orb at ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Tapio Wirkkala Pair of 'Leaf' Dishes in Silver for Kultakeskus Oy, 1959 - 1960
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant pair of leaf form dishes, models TW-5 (l.) and TW-4 (r.), designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus Oy. Both are in fine condition with all requisite hallmarks and "TW" s...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Organic Modern Tapio Wirkkala Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Tapio Wirkkala, Set of Silver Pitchers and Cups, 18 Pieces, Finland 1970s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in Houston, TX
Tapio Wirkkala. Set of silver pitchers and cups, 18 pieces. Kultakeskus Oy, Hämeenlinna, Finland. Marked with makers mark, Finnish assay mark, 925H, Hämeenlinna town mark, ye...
Category

1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Tapio Wirkkala's Snail bowl in silver
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A great little solid silver handworked "snail" bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus Oy.
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Tapio Wirkkala Silver Punch Set
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A beautiful solid silver Pitcher and cups by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus, Oy. Created by a single craftsperson from start to finish.
Category

1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

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Previously Available Items
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Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Silver Vase Handmade to order Finland 1985 A Modernist silver vase, model TW226. Designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1960 and handmade to order by the c...
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Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Sterling Silver Vase Handmade Finland 1971
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Located in EL Waalre, NL
A rare Sterling silver vase, model TW226. Designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1960 and handmade to order by the craftsmen of Kultakeskus in 1971. Model TW226 was never made in serial prod...
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1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Sterling Silver

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Tapio Wirkkala, a Largest Size Pair of Silver “Trumpetti” Candlesticks, 1982
By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in EL Waalre, NL
Tapio Wirkkala, A largest size pair of silver “Trumpetti” candlesticks, 1982 A largest size pair of silver “Trumpetti” candlesticks model TW 284, designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 196...
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1980s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Sterling Silver

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Tapio Wirkkala, Sterling Silver Art-Object "Liekki", Model TW 228, Kultakeskus
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Tapio Wirkkala - Sterling Silver Art-object "Liekki", Model TW 228 - Kultakeskus 1962 Artist Tapio Wirkkala (1915 Hanko, Finland - 1985 Helsinki, Finland) A giant of Finnish desi...
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Tapio Wirkkala - Sterling Silver Art-object "Liekki" - Handmade to Order in 1966
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Tapio Wirkkala - Sterling Silver Art-object "Liekki", Model TW 228 - Handmade to Order 1966 Artist Tapio Wirkkala (1915 Hanko, Finland - 1985 Helsinki, Finland) A giant of Finnis...
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Tapio Wirkkala, A Silver Dish, Model TW 117, Kultakeskus, Finland, 1978
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
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Tapio Wirkkala, A Silver Dish, Model TW 117, Kultakeskus, Finland, 1978 Artist Tapio Wirkkala (1915 Hanko, Finland - 1985 Helsinki, Finland) A giant of Finnish design, Wirkkala w...
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1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Tapio Wirkkala, A Silver Bowl, Model TW 118, Kultakeskus, Finland, 1965
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in EL Waalre, NL
Tapio Wirkkala - A silver bowl, Model TW 118 - Kultakeskus, Finland 1965 Artist Tapio Wirkkala (1915 Hanko, Finland - 1985 Helsinki, Finland) A giant of Fin...
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Tapio Wirkkala, Set of Six Silver "Trumpetti" Candlesticks, Kultakeskus, Finland
By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in EL Waalre, NL
Tapio Wirkkala, set of six silver "Trumpetti" Candlesticks, Kultakeskus, Finland 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 jewelry, 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 set of six silver “Trumpetti” candlesticks, model TW 284 in three different sizes. Designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1963. Executed by Kultakeskus Oy in 1987 (largest size pair), 1978 (middle size pair) and 2006 (the smallest size pair). The candlesticks have a completely smooth surface and run in a diabolo shape from the base to the chalice. A standard size candle fits all candlesticks...
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1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Sterling Silver

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Silver

Tapio Wirkkala, A Sterling Silver Art-Object, Model TW 36, Kultakeskus, 1959
By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in EL Waalre, NL
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,...
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1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Sterling Silver

Materials

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Tapio Wirkkala, Sterling Silver Dish, Model TW 100, Kultakeskus, Finland, 1963
By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in EL Waalre, NL
Tapio Wirkkala - sterling silver dish, model TW 100 - Kultakeskus Oy, Finland, 1963 Artist Tapio Wirkkala (1915 Hanko, Finland-1985 Helsinki, Finland) A giant of Finnish design, Wir...
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Tapio Wirkkala, Two Silver Bowls, Kultakeskus & Hopeatehdas, Finland 1959 & 1960
By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in EL Waalre, NL
Tapio Wirkkala, two silver bowls, Kultakeskus & Hopeatehdas, Finland, 1959 and 1960 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. More than any Finish designer from his era Wirkkala got his inspiration from the natural world. Together with his wife Rut Bryk, a famous artist or ceramist in her own right, he spent several months each year in his country house in Northern Lapland, situated directly at lake Paadar. The inspiration gained there, watching the changing seasons, Wirkkala incorporated in his many designs. The recipient of many awards, honorary titles, and a doctorate, Wirkkala several Grand Prix and gold medals at the Triennale di Milano. In 1951 together with Hans J. Wegner he was the first recipient of the prestigious Lunning prize, often referred to as “The Nobel prize of design”. His works are collected by many important museums in the world, among others: Museum of Modern Art, New York, Design Museum Helsinki, Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, Design Museum Gent and The British Museum, London. Description Small spiraled sterling silver bowl, model TW 111, handmade to order by the craftsmen of Kultakeskus Oy, Hämeenlinna Finland, in 1959. Silver-fineness is 916H (916/1000), weight 60 grams. The bowl has an organic oval shape, from the front it spirals to the centre. Small silver bowl...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Tapio Wirkkala, Sterling Silver Leaf-Shaped Bowl, Model TW 4, Kultakeskus, 1963
By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in EL Waalre, NL
Tapio Wirkkala - Sterling silver leaf-shaped bowl, model TW 4 - Kultakeskus Oy, Finland 1963 Artist Tapio Wirkkala (1915 Hanko, Finland - 1985 Helsinki, Finland) A giant of Finni...
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Tapio Wirkkala sterling silver for sale on 1stDibs.

Tapio Wirkkala sterling silver are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of silver and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Tapio Wirkkala sterling silver, although silver editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original sterling silver by Tapio Wirkkala were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in europe during the 20th century. Prices for Tapio Wirkkala sterling silver can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $825 and can go as high as $22,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,308.

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