Tapio Wirkkala Hopeakuu Sterling Pendant
About the Item
- Creator:Nilo Westerback (Jeweler),Tapio Wirkkala (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 0.01 in (0.26 mm)Diameter: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:c1970
- Condition:Very good. Polished. Minor scratching to silver.
- Seller Location:Brooklyn, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU800236604042
Tapio Wirkkala
Along with architect Alvar Aalto, the designer Tapio Wirkkala was Finland’s leading contributor to the Scandinavian interpretation of modernism in the mid-20th century. Prolific and innovative, Wirkkala excelled in a wide range of fields, including glass, furniture, porcelain, jewelry and tableware. The hallmark of his talent was an ability to impart a craft aesthetic based on natural forms — leaves, ice, bubbles, birds — to industrially produced designs.
A native of Helsinki, Wirkkala studied at the national School of Applied Arts and took up a career in graphic design. After serving in the Finnish army during World War II, he joined the glassmaking firm Iittala, an association that would continue to the end of his life. Wirkkala learned every aspect of glassmaking in keeping with his belief that an artist-designer should be involved in all stages of production. His best-known works for Iittala are vases and drinking vessels that resemble either carved ice or icicles. In 1956, Wirkkala began a long relationship with the porcelain maker Rosenthal, for whom he designed elegant table pieces, such as the Finlandia coffee service and the biomorphic Pollo vases.
House Beautiful magazine declared Wirkkala’s Leaf platter the “most beautiful object” of 1951. (The acclaim led to his brief employment stint with industrial designer Raymond Loewy in New York.) That platter was one of the first designs Wirkkala made using laminated sheets of plywood sanded to a smooth surface that resembles an abstract leaf. It would go on to become a motif in many Wirkkala furniture pieces — most notably in inlaid coffee tables for Asko — and in a sense these are the works most emblematic of his personal aesthetic.
Wirkkala was a traditionalist in many ways, but he had a modernist’s practical approach, incorporating his leaf-like spirals into simple, functional objects. That is the core attraction of Wirkkala’s designs: They stand out with a striking, sculptural energy yet blend in as part of a warm and comfortable decor.
Find vintage Tapio Wirkkala furniture on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Brooklyn, NY
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Rare Tapio Wirkkala Sterling Punch PourerBy Tapio WirkkalaLocated in Brooklyn, NYParty accessory is also a beautiful sculpture. Ball with spouts is submerged in punchbowl to fill. Additionally, the rosewood handle has opening to accept a tube or tap for shots. Fu...Category
Vintage 1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Barware
MaterialsSilver
- Wirkkala Omena NecklaceBy Tapio WirkkalaLocated in Brooklyn, NYBeautiful silver Apple pendant on silver chain. Hallmarked and dated on reverse.Category
Vintage 1970s Finnish Collectible Jewelry
MaterialsSilver
- Modernist Sterling Collar Necklace by Anton MichelsenBy Anton MichelsenLocated in Brooklyn, NYGroovy abstract design. Signed and hallmarked.Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry
MaterialsSilver
- Sterling Demitasse Coffee Service by AspreyBy Asprey International LimitedLocated in Brooklyn, NYChic modern travel coffee service with cup and creamer. Arms hold the set together and rotates so the pieces stay in place as you pour. Cane-wrapped handle. Fully hallmarked Asprey a...Category
Vintage 1950s British Sterling Silver
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Harald Nielsen Sterling Bud Vase for Georg JensenBy Harald Nielsen, Georg JensenLocated in Brooklyn, NYWonderful Art Moderne design by one of Jensen's master silversmiths. Stamp dates this to 1945-1950 production. Initialed HN, with Jensen and sterling hallmarks.Category
Vintage 1940s Danish Vases
- (3) Venini Fasce Orizzontale Globe Pendants or ShadesBy Fulvio Bianconi & Paolo VeniniLocated in Brooklyn, NYSmoked glass shades with vibrant red, green and blue horizontal stripe. These are easily converted to hanging globes, which we can do on spec for an additional fee. Can be purchased ...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsBlown Glass
- Tapio Wirkkala Hopeakuu Sterling Silver Modernist Moon PendantBy Tapio WirkkalaLocated in Atlanta, GAModernist Hopeakuu (Silver Moon) Sterling Silver Pendant, designed by Tapio Wirkkala for N. Westerback Jewelers, Finland, circa 1970s. Measurements: 3.5" H x 2.5" W x .125" D. It has...Category
Vintage 1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Tapio Wirkkala Kinetic Silver Moon Hopeakuu Pendant, 1974By Tapio WirkkalaLocated in Brooklyn, NYHopeakuu (Finnish: silver moon) sterling pendant designed by Tapio Wirkkala, comprising nine concentric rings that move independently around a small orb at ...Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Collectible Jewelry
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Buccellati Sterling Silver Maschera Ligorica PendantBy Mario BuccellatiLocated in Cincinnati, OHThis sterling silver Maschera Ligorica pendant was made by Italian luxury jeweler, Buccellati. The Buccellati family has a long tradition of working with precious metals and gemstones which spans more than 250 years. Mario Buccellati established the company in his name in 1919, and quickly went on to secure a reputation for his meticulous craftsmanship and artistic vision. Under Mario's leadership, the company has supplied the royal families of Italy, Spain and Egypt with Fine jewelry and sterling hollowware, in addition to creating pieces for the Vatican. Buccellati today continues to pride itself on its original designs, with all of its pieces designed in house by Gianmaria Buccellati or his son Andrea...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Renaissance Revival Collectible Jewelry
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Early Sterling Silver Pendant William SpratlingBy William SpratlingLocated in Atlanta, GAA lovely necklace pendant in 980 sterling silver from Taxco, Mexico. Designed and made by the studio of William Spratling, an American designer and entrepreneur who established his s...Category
Vintage 1930s Mexican Modern Collectible Jewelry
MaterialsSilver
- Scandinavian Amber Pendant And Sterling Silver NecklaceLocated in Haddonfield, NJAmber pendant in a sterling silver setting with a Italian 925 silver chain.Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Collectible Jewelry
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Sterling Silver Cornucopia Pendant 19th CenturyLocated in Nottingham, GBFrom a private collection. Free international shipping. Sterling Silver Cornucopia Pendant 19th CenturyCategory
20th Century Collectible Jewelry
MaterialsSterling Silver