0
0
Profile image of a large Modernist solid silver vase mounted atop a teak base designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1960.
A model TW228 vase by Tapio Wirkkala, this design was produced in three sizes, 21, 26 and 30 cm tall. This example stands with a height of 26 cm.
A Tapio Wirkkala silver vase. The full set of Finnish hallmarks reveal that this piece was handmade by the craftspeople of Kultakeskus in Hämeenlinna, Finland, in 1961, making it an early rendition.
Top down view of a tall solid silver vase by Tapio Wirkkala. Wirkkala is best known as one of Finland's foremost glass designers. His influence and notoriety in this field has given Wirkkala a legendary status within the history of Finnish design but he also worked in silver and this is one of his most striking designs in precious metal.
A Tapio Wirkkala solid silver vase on a teak wood base. One of the leading proponents of Modernism, Wirkkala often found inspiration in nature and the frozen wilderness of northern Finland. This item is commonly refered to as the "Flame" vase.
Detail of the top half of a Tapio Wirkkala silver vase. Wirkkala worked in silver from the early 1950's, designing jewellery alongside drinking vessels and trays, as well as vases.
Zoomed in image showing the mouth of a silver vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala. Wirkkala's works in silver were inspired by nature but are also abstracted.
Zoomed in image of the hallmarks solid sterling silver vase by Tapio Wirkkala. Left to right: Recumbent lion (Kultakeskus Oy), Crown in heart (Finnish national control), ‘916H’ (916/1000 silver fineness), Hämeenlinna city hallmark (three stylised towers), ‘H7’ (1961), ‘Z’ (unknown), ‘TW’ (Tapio Wirkkala)
Close up showing the mild age related wear on a 60 year old Tapio Wirkkala vase made of solid silver.
A solid silver vase designed by leading Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala laying on its side. The photo allows the unusual shape of the vase to be seen.
Detail showing the 'S'-shaped mouth and tapering form of a Tapio Wirkkala vase made of solid silver by Kultakeskus Oy.
Zoomed in image showing a small tear in the lip of a silver vase by Tapio Wirkkala. The tear has been repaired but the split can still be seen.
Detail of the base of a Tapio Wirkkala vase in solid silver. The base is round. It is a turned piece of solid teak wood. Made in Finland in 1961.
Close up showing the wood grain of the teak base on a Tapio Wirkkala vase produced by Kultakeskus Oy, Finland.
Head on shot of a tall silver vase design by Tapio Wirkkala. The form is triangular but also organic. A brilliant example of post second world war Scandinavian design.
Tapio Wirkkala silver vase made by Kultakeskus Oy, Finland in 1961. For sale in London from Art & Utility.
Head on shot of the side of a 26cm tall silver vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus Oy. This great examples of Finnish Modernism and many more available to view and buy in South West London at Art & Utility.
Head on shot of a highly polished sold silver vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus Oy. The surface of the silver vase is highly reflective.
Tall gleaming solid silver Finnish vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus Oy. The angular vase stand atop a round teak wood base. The Nordic design is from 1960.
A tall solid silver Scandinavian vase by Tapio Wirkkala. Manufactured by silversmiths Kultakeskus Oy who produced some of the best examples of Modernist metalware in silver in the twentieth century.
Top down view of an interestingly shaped silver metal vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus Oy. This vase is often referred to as the "Flame".
Image looking down on the angular corner of a silver vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala, the father of Finnish Modernism.
Close up showing a full set of Finnish hallmarks on a Tapio Wirkkala solid silver vase. The manufacturer is Kultakeskus Oy. The date mark H7 if dor 1961.
Group image of Tapio Wirkkala designs in glass and silver. The tall model TW228 vase was produced by Kultakeskus Oy. The four pieces of glass were all made by Iittala Glassworks in the 1950s and 1960s. Tapio Wirkkala was an enormously influential Modernist designer during the mid-20th century.
Kultakeskus

Tapio Wirkkala Silver "Liekki" Vase

£375.00 £0.00
Shipping calculated at checkout.

A large Modernist solid silver vase mounted atop a teak base designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1960.

Recorded as the model TW228 vase, this design was produced in three sizes, 21, 26 and 30 cm tall. This example stands with a height of 26 cm, and the full set of Finnish hallmarks reveal that this piece was handmade by the craftspeople of Kultakeskus in Hämeenlinna, Finland, in 1961, making it an early rendition.

Tapio Wirkkala is best known as one of Finland's foremost glass designers. His influence and notoriety in this field has given Wirkkala a legendary status within the history of Finnish design. One of the leading proponents of Modernism, Wirkkala often found inspiration in nature and the frozen wilderness of northern Finland.

Wirkkala worked also in silver from the early 1950's, designing jewellery alongside drinking vessels, vases, and trays. His works in silver are also inspired by nature but are more greatly abstracted.

The fluid shape of this tall silver vase is both alien and organic. At the mouth of the vase it can be understood that the object is created by two curved sides, which together form an S-shape. However, as this figure tapers inwards towards the object’s base your eye finds it hard not to dance around the twisting form or follow the copious bolts of reflecting light.

In other words, it is easy to enjoy but difficult to comprehend the overall structure of this art piece. This paradox helps explain the nickname given to the Model TW228 vase which is referred to as "Liekki" or "Flame". Like fire this design is captivating but allusive.

Model Number: TW228

Designer: Tapio Wirkkala

Manufacturer: Kultakeskus Oy

Year of Design: 1960

Dates Produced: 1960-1970s 

Colour: Silver, brown

Height: 26 cm, Width: 8.5 cm, Base Diameter: 7 cm

Condition: The lip at one corner or mouth has been torn and repaired. Please study images. 

Branding (left to right): Recumbent lion (Kultakeskus Oy), Crown in heart (Finnish national control), ‘916H’ (916/1000 silver fineness), Hämeenlinna city hallmark (three stylised towers), ‘H7’ (1961), ‘Z’ (unknown), ‘TW’ (Tapio Wirkkala)