Small Pottery Vase 3048/26 by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal, 1960s Germany

Small pottery vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal. Produced in Germany in the 1960s. 

Measures 9.7cm

Tapio Wirkkala (1915–1985) was a Finnish designer and sculptor renowned for his versatile contributions to industrial design, particularly in glass and ceramics. Born in Hanko, Finland, he studied decorative sculpture at the Helsinki Central School of Industrial Design from 1933 to 1936. His early career encompassed a broad spectrum of design work, including glassware, furniture, and graphic design.

In 1951, Wirkkala gained international acclaim by winning three Grand Prix awards at the Milan Triennial for exhibition architecture, glass design, and wooden sculptures. His association with the Finnish glass manufacturer Iittala began in 1946, leading to iconic designs such as the Kantarelli vase and the Ultima Thule glassware series, inspired by melting ice.

Wirkkala's collaboration with the German porcelain company Rosenthal commenced in 1956 and lasted until 1985. During this period, he designed over 200 porcelain objects, including dinnerware sets and decorative vases. Notable designs include the Pollo vase, characterised by its organic form, and the Paper Bag vase, which mimics the appearance of a crumpled paper bag in porcelain. His work for Rosenthal is celebrated for its modern expression and uncoloured surfaces, reflecting his minimalist aesthetic.