Heavy vintage art glass object and vase from the 3581 series, designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala in Finland. The form is a tall deep blue cylinder rising from a thick clear glass base.
The vase has the calm precision often associated with Wirkkala’s best work: simple at first glance, but carefully balanced in weight, proportion and optical effect.
Signed: Tapio Wirkkala - 3581.
Design
The upper part is a straight cylindrical vessel in deep blue glass. The lower section is much heavier, made of clear glass with a broad foot and strong lens like reflections inside the base.
This contrast gives the piece its character.
Colour and Glass
The colour is a saturated blue, close to cobalt, with darker tones near the base. In daylight it becomes more luminous.
The glass is heavy and substantial, with the clarity and controlled form.
Details
Designer: Tapio Wirkkala
Maker: Iittala
Series: 3581
Country: Finland
Period: 1960s to 1970s
Material: art glass
Colour: deep blue and clear glass
Height: 19.5 cm
Weight: approximately 1.3 kg
Condition
Very good vintage condition with only very slight signs of age.
For Collectors and Interiors
This is a strong piece for collectors of Finnish glass, Iittala and Tapio Wirkkala. It also fits well in a modern interior where one object with colour, weight and clarity can carry a shelf or side table.
The vase has enough presence to stand alone without flowers.
