A vintage 'Jäkälä' (lichen or finger) vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Glassworks in 1951. Mold blown cased and acid matted glass, marked with incised signature 'TAPIO WIRKKALA IITTALA' on the base. Iittala model number 3516. An authentic piece of Finnish glass design of the 1950s which was first presented at the Milan Trienale in 1951. Good condition, very tiny dent on the body - see pictures.

Tapio Wirkkala (1915 – 1985) was a Finnish designer and sculptor. He was one of the most famous post-war designers. Wirkkala's work ranges from designs of product packagings and metalware to glass, advertising grafics, ceramics, jewellery, furniture and plywood dishes. In 1946 he designed the iconic Kantarelli vase for Iittala. Wirkkala made designs for many companies such as Venini, Rosenthal, Asco Oy and others.