Tapio Wirkkala Special ed. ‘Finnpoint’ Carving Set in C17th Black Oak

A special edition ‘Finnpoint’ carving set, complete with original stand, designed by Tapio Wirkkala, in the 1970’s, for Hackman, Finland.

In brushed stainless steel and black oak, this carving fork & knife are related to the ‘Finnpoint’ design, the only utensils series by Wirkkala that entered commercial production. However, what makes this set even more special is that, fantastically, the wooden handles are timber from the infamous Swedish warship Vasa.

Commission by King Gustav II Adolf, Vasa was a giant 64-gun vessel (the most powerful warship in the Baltic, if not the world, at the time) that sunk on her maiden voyage in 1628.

After almost 333 years in darkness, Vasa finally rose from the deep in April 1961, following a 5 yearlong salvage operation. Despite its sinking being one of the most spectacular fiascos in Swedish history, Vasa’s re-emergence was a highly celebrated and publicised event that made international headlines.

It is quite surprising therefore that Wirkkala & Hackman were able to acquire and repurpose black oak from the ship. Although, the limited production of this set is well documented.

Being the only almost fully intact 17th-century ship that has ever been salvaged, the Vasa is today housed in its own museum, which claims to be the most visited museum in Scandinavia.

Standing 50 metres tall, 69 metres long, and decorated with hundreds of sculptures, Vasa is a potent object for engagement with history, allowing visitors to relate with many facets of 17th century life. For us, this carving set encourages the same powerful connection.

Brilliantly, Wirkkala has interfered very little with the wood. Rather, the plainly carved geometric handles appear more like found shards than ergonomic utensils. Indeed, their shape is highly reminiscent of pieces of a backgammon board found onboard Vasa (pictured), which very well could have been Wirkkala’s inspiration.

The only interruption to the timber’s surface are the protruding pegs joining the steel and wood. However, the peg joints do not disturb thoughts on history. Instead, the exposed construction helps the imagination wonder how a mighty ship might come into being in the 17th century, and the lives of the many people involved.

How wonderful that this design not only evokes history but can still be used at the dinner table -surely a tremendous addition to a dinner party!