Tapio Wirkkala Silver "Liekki" Vase

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.