Tapio Wirkkala – Crystal Art-object, Model 3132 in three sizes – Iittala Finland 1954 & 1957 1954 - 1957

Tapio Wirkkala

PrintCrystalEngravingGemstone
9 cm, ø 7 cm
ConditionGood
€ 650

Van Kerkhoff Art

• About the artwork
  Three freeblown crystal, line-cut art-objects, model 3132. Designed by Finnish artist Tapio Wirkkala in 1952 and executed by the Iittala Glassworks in 1954 & 1957.
  
  These art-objects were produced by Iittala between 1952 and 1960 in three different sizes, 70, 75 and 90 mm. These three examples are a complete set of all the sizes.
  
  As already mentioned, these crystal art-objects were handmade and engraved by hand. They are all signed undereath the base in diamondpen:
  
  Tapio Wirkkala – Iittala – 54 (largest size), Tapio Wirkkala – Iittala – 57 (middle size) and Tapio Wirkkala – Iittala.
  
  
  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. Neosin Neosin
  
  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
  Signed underneath the base in diamondpen:
  
  Tapio Wirkkala – Iittala – 54 & 57
  
  Execution
  Iittala glassworks, Finland, 1954 & 1957
  
  Condition
  Good original condition. No chips or cracks. Minor scratches, consistent with age and use.
  
  Literature
  Marianne Aav, TAPIO WIRKKALA eye, hand and thought: p. 300
  
  Dimensions
  Height 9 cm, 7 cm, 6 cm
  Diameter 7 cm, 6 cm, 6 cm
• 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.

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