Vintage "Avena" glass vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, Finland 1970

For sale is a Mid-Century Art Glass “Avena" Vase (model 3429) designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, Finland, circa the 1970s. In good vintage condition with the only issues of note being scratches and a small flea bite to the top rim (please see photos). The vase was form-blown and is signed "TAPIO WIRKKALA 3429" on the base. Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) was a multitalented design genius, widely considered a leading figure of modern Finnish industrial art. Wirkkala's wide-ranging portfolio spans from glass, furniture and product design to sculpture, city planning, art, graphics and even creating banknotes for the Finnish treasury. Throughout his incredibly productive career, Wirkkala received numerous awards including three gold medals at the Milan Triennale, the Lunning Prize, the Pro Finlandia Medal and the Prince Eugen Medal. (iittala) Iittala, founded as a glassworks in 1881, is a Finnish design brand specialising in design objects, tableware and cookware. Iittala has strong design roots in glassware and art glass but also in ceramics and metal, always in keeping with their key philosophy of progressive elegant and timeless design. Designers and artists that have designed for Iittala, include Aino Aalto, Alvar Aalto, Oiva Toikka, Tapio Wirkkala, Kaj Franck and Timo Sarpaneva, amongst others. Reference : 307140