Iittala Pinus Vase

Vintage Pinus (Pine) vase created by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala in the early 1970s. Referencing the texture of pine bark, it is part of a series of three vases. Very small chip at top edge, see image. 6.5" tall.

Tapio Wirkkala (1915–1985) won a design competition in 1946 sponsored by Iittala that began a lifelong relationship with the company; as their artistic director he helped establish a global reputation, creating more than four hundred glass objects for the firm. The starting point of Wirkkala’s work was often the observation of natural structures. He studied the cracks of ice, the movement of water and the elements of the forest, translating it into sculptural, mould-blown crystal forms in which asymmetry and randomness take on a central role. His portfolio ranged from glass, furniture, and product design to sculpture, city planning, art, and graphics.

Iittala is a design brand founded as a glass factory in 1881 in the village of Iittala in southern Finland. In the 1930s Iittala merged with Karhula glass company and began building its international reputation for functionalist art glass. Designer Göran Hongell joined in 1932 and brought in outside designers and glassblowers, launched design competitions, and modernized the facilities. In 1937 Iittala split off from Karhula, focusing purely on fine, artisanal glass. This is when some of Finland's most celebrated designers began collaborating with the company, including Alvar and Aino Aalto, Kaj Franck, Timo Sarpaneva, and Tapio Wirkkala. Today Iittala is owned by Fiskars, and has expanded well beyond glass. In 2003 it added ceramics and metal to its product portfolio, and now produces tableware, cookware, and home goods. The original Iittala glass factory is still operating in the village of Iittala.