Iittala Tapio Wirkkala Finland Trapped Air Bubble 1954 Design Cocktail Glasses Set of 6 Size 140ml

A MARVELOUS COLLECTABLE SET OF 6 IITALA TAPIO WIRKALA DESIGNED COCKTAIL GLASSES. THE HEIGHT OF THE GLASSES IS 96MM AND THE DIAMETER 83MM. IN GOOD CONDITION.
 
TAPIO WIRKKALA IS CONSIDERED SYNONYMOUS WITH MODERN FINNISH DESIGN. HE EXCELLED IN THE ART OF GLASSMAKING, INTRODUCING THE NOW WIDELY USED STICK BLOWING METHOD, MAKING A BUBBLE WITH A WET WOOD STICK IN 1953. THESE BUBBLE TRAPPED GLASSES WERE DESIGNED FOR THE 1954 MILAN TRIENNIAL WHERE THE DESIGN WON THE GRAND PRIX PRIZE FOR TAPIO AND IITTALIA. IT BECAME SO POPULAR THAT THIS SERIES STAYED IN CONTINUOUS PRODUCTION FOR LONGER THAN ANY OTHER FINNISH GLASSES.
 
TAPIO WIRKKALAS EPONYMOUS GLASS SERIES IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE DELICACY OF GLASSMAKING. AN AIR BUBBLE IS TRAPPED IN THE STURDY STEM OF EACH GLASS AT EXACTLY THE RIGHT MOMENT, WHEN THE TEMPERATURE AND COMPOSITION OF THE GLASS MATERIAL ARE SUITABLE.
 
SIZE GLASSES 95MM HIGH 83MM DIAMETER
14CL = 140ML
CONDITION: NO CHIPS. NO CRACKS.  IN GOOD CONDITION. BOX HAS THE TOP BUT IS MISSING THE ORIGINAL BOTTOM AND HAS SOME WEAR. I GLASS STICKERS IN TACT. ORIGINAL LEAFLET INCLUDED.
 
TAPIO WIRKKALA (1915-1985):
Tapio Wirkkala (19151985) was a pivotal Finnish designer and sculptor, renowned for his influential role in post-war Scandinavian design, creating iconic works in glass, metal, wood, and plastic. His designs, often inspired by nature, are characterized by functional elegance and a deep connection to materials. Wirkkala's extensive career included collaborations with companies like Rosenthal and Iittalia designing both mass-produced everyday objects and unique artistic pieces.  
Born in Hanko, Finland, in 1915.Graduated from the School of Art and Design in Helsinki in 1936.He developed a reputation as a master of silver and glasswork, working with firms such as Kultakeskus for silver and Iittala for glass. Inspiration from nature, including forms of ice, water, and leaves, heavily influenced his aesthetic. Designed iconic glassware, including the Ultima Thule set with its signature dripping icicle look. A major figure in post-war design, he won numerous international awards, the Lunning Prize in 1951 and the Grand Prix price at the Milan Triennale exhibitions in 1951, 1954 and 1960. He was awarded Gold Medals for artistic design by the president of Italy in 1963, 1966, 1967 and 1969. 
Wirkkala's work is held in public collections and continues to be celebrated for its innovative and timeless Scandinavian aesthetic. 

IITTALA GLASS (1881-present):

Iittala is a Finnish design brand founded in 1881 in the village of Iittala, Finland, that creates timeless and functional glassware and homeware through masterful craftsmanship.  Today, Iittala operates as a brand within the Fiskars Group. Iittala continues to work with visionary designers and craftspeople to build on its legacy of timeless Finnish design. The brand's factory in Iittala is still operating, producing many of its glass items and offering guided tours. 

PLEASE ALSO SEE MY OTHER ITEMS LISTED. YOU CAN SIMPLY CLICK ON MY NAME OR CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW. OR COPY THE URL UNDERNEATH AND PASTE INTO GOOGLE AND IT WILL TAKE YOU DIRECTLY TO ALL MY LISTINGS THIS WEEK. NOTE ALL MY AUCTIONS END AT 22H30.
https://www.bidorbuy.co.za/seller/3685641/ErnRex1545