Iceblock thumbnail 1
On display
Image of Gallery in South Kensington

Iceblock

Vase
1950 (designed), 1952-1969 (made)
Artist/Maker
Iittala Glassworks (manufacturer)
Wirkkala, Tapio (designer)
Place of origin
Finland (made)

Vase, Finland, designed by Tapio Wirkkala, for Iittala glassworks, 1952-1969

Object details

Category
Glass
Object type
Vase
Titles
  • Iceblock (manufacturer's title)
  • Jääpala (manufacturer's title)
Materials and techniques
Mould-blown glass
Brief description
Vase, Finland, designed by Tapio Wirkkala, for Iittala glassworks, 1952-1969
Dimensions
  • Maximum width: 22.2cm
Style
20TH CONT
Marks and inscriptions
Incised 'TAPIO WIRKKALA 3847' (Makers's mark)
Gallery label
Tapio Wirkkala (1915-85) is the most famous of the multi-talented Finnish designers of the post-war period. He joined Iittala in 1946 and won numerous awards throughout his career. This and Jäävuori (9591) were part of his display at the Milan Triennale, 1951 where he was awarded a grand prix. He trained as a sculptor and was a wood carver of great sensitivity. He was particularly devoted to Northern Finland and built his own house in traditional style in Lapland. Like many Finnish designers he was inspired by the northern landscape, in his case bringing a special brilliance and subtlety to his interpretation. Iittala had many production difficulities with this and Jäävuori. Only a small proportion from each batch was accepted as satisfactory.
Production
designed 1950; produced 1952-69
Bibliographic reference
1) Opie, J: 'Scandinavia: Ceramics and Glass of the 20th Century', V&A Museum (1987), cat. 199. 2) Helsinki; The Finnish Society of Crafts & Design: 'Tapio Wirkkala', (exhibition catalogue), 1985
Other number
9592 - Glass gallery number
Collection
Ceramics Collection
Accession number
CIRC.439-1964

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Record createdDecember 13, 1997
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O6844/iceblock-vase-wirkkala-tapio/
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