Vintage vase and Art object Varsanjalka (Finnish for Foal’s Leg) with hand-decorated engraving technique.
Designer: Tapio Wirkkala.
Handmade, signed by the artist: Tapio Wirkkala Iittala 1954.
This series was conceived in 1947, with its European debut at the Milan Triennale in 1951 - the most prestigious design competition in Europe, where it marked a triumphant success for Wirkkala.
His works featuring fine line hand-engraving in organic forms received awards at the Triennale. They became some of the first interior decor items of the new mid-century modern style.
Wirkkala was one of the most renowned Scandinavian industrial designers of his time, known for his work in both organic and geometric design.
His signature glass series became icons of Scandinavian style. Some, such as Ultima Thule, are still in production today.
Tapio Wirkkala worked for a long time at the flagship Iittala art glass factory in Finland and also collaborated with Germany’s Rosenthal. He created glass objects, tableware, lamps, jewelry, and more.
He was a multiple winner at the Milan Triennale, awarded the prestigious Pro Finlandia medal, and later became an Academician of the Arts.
Wirkkala’s works are housed in major museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Design Museum in Finland, the Glass Museum, and many others. A park in Helsinki is named in his honor.
1952–1960.
Iittala Art Glass Factory.
Excellent vintage condition, no chips or cracks. There is a small, isolated change in the glass associated with the item’s age - a natural surface glass corrosion. This is a normal part of the aging process for glass and is not considered a defect.
Please see all photos.
Height: 10.6 cm
