A set of two Art-objects, model 3587 & 3589 – Iittala, Finland circa 1965 1960 - 1969

Tapio Wirkkala

Glass
21 cm, ø 13 cm
ConditionGood
€ 875

Van Kerkhoff Art

• About the artwork
  Two turned mold-blown, cased blue and clear glass Art-objects. These Art-objects are model 3587 & 3589 in the oeuvre of Tapio Wirkkala. They were designed in 1959 and 1962 and handmade by the craftsmen at the Iittala glassworks in Finland circa 1965.
  
  The bowl (model 3587) was made in only one size and in two colours (blue and lilac), between 1962 and 1966. The vase (model 3589) was made in four sizes and two colours between 1959 and 1966, the one in this set was the largest size produced of the four. Both objects are signed in diamondpen underneath the base: Tapio Wirkkala and the modelnumber.
  
  
  
  
  
  About Tapio Wirkkala
  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.
  
  
  Marked
  Tapio Wirkkala and modelnumber in diamondpen underneath the base.
  
  Execution
  Iittala, Finland circa 1965
  
  Condition
  These art-objects are in good vintage condition, some scratches consistent with age and use. Some small airbubbles in the glassmass. No chips or cracks.
  
  Literature
  Marianne Aav, Tapio Wirkkala eye, hand and thought: p. 310, 312
  
  Dimensions
  Model 3587
  Height 9 cm
  Diameter 23,5 cm
  Weight 1934 grams
  
  Model 3589
  Height 21 cm
  Diameter 13,7 cm
  Weight 1662 grams
• About the artist

  Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) was a multitalented design genius, widely considered a leading figure of modern Finnish industrial art. Wirkkala's wide ranging portfolio spans from glass, furniture and product design to sculpture, city planning, art, graphics and even creating banknotes for the Finnish treasury.

  Throughout his incredibly productive career, Wirkkala received numerous awards including three gold medals at the Milan Triennale, the Lunning Prize, Pro Finlandia Medal and the Prince Eugen Medal.

  In 1946, Wirkkala won his first design award in a competition sponsored by Iittala that would mark a lifelong relationship with lasting effects on his career and the company. As Iittala’s artistic director, Wirkkala’s unique artistic vision helped establish the company’s global reputation.

  Throughout his legendary career, the uniquely talented artist created more than four hundred glass objects for Iittala, many of which, like the Ultima Thule and Tapio series remain popular today.

Are you interested in buying this artwork?