Topic: Iittala Tapio Wirkkala vase?

[chriscooper]

I am trying to identify this piece. It is 6.25" high and 800g. It is unsigned but looks a quality piece with the bevelled polished rim.

Cheers, Chris.

[Pinkspoons]

Hullo Chris.

Doesn't look appaear to be Iittala (two i's, not Li) - the bubble in the base is quite different to the Wirkkala design, I don't think this colour was in their production palette and I would really expect to see a signature.

Lots of these kinds of vases seem to be of Polish descent.

[chriscooper]

Thanks Nic, I knew that, Iittala  is that right?
Cheers Chris

[Pinkspoons]

I have to go through the mental spellcheck every time I write it... double-i, double-t. 

[langhaugh]

Magnor did a piece very similar to this. I have one that is slightly smaller and in a deep green. A key element is the hole in the bottom looks like it was ground or drilled out after the vase was finished. How is the rim on yours finished? I'm not quite sure from the picture. If you think it might be the same maker, I'll add a photo tomorrow.

David

[Tinker-Taylor]

Hullo Chris.

Doesn't look appaear to be Iittala (two i's, not Li) - the bubble in the base is quite different to the Wirkkala design, I don't think this colour was in their production palette and I would really expect to see a signature.

Lots of these kinds of vases seem to be of Polish descent.

I agree, however I am confused regarding signature and would welcome info.  I have a TW "Pinus" vase, unsigned, and Judith Miller (though she often seems to make mistakes) claims that Tapio's signatures are not often seen on his vases.

Stu.

[Pinkspoons]

I've only a handful of TW vases, admittedly, but they're all with engraved signatures bearing Tapio Wirkkala's full name. Mine are all 1950s/60s production, though, and I know they used sandblasted/acid-etched backstamps on some pieces from around the mid-1970s onwards. I don't know if they stopped signing altogether after a certain period.

[Tinker-Taylor]

Thanks Nic, that helps.

I saw a massive TW bowl in Tetbury at the weekend.  Absolutely amazing.  Now saving.

 

[chriscooper]

Hi Dave, the rim is polished and sloped, the base hole is smooth as if worked with a stick or whatever in the making, it has wear to the base.
Will put some more shots on tonight, it is definitely a quality piece it's who made it?
Cheers for the help so far.
Ps Nic, a Sea Green bottle shaped decanter for you to peruse tonight also.
 

[langhaugh]

Chris:

Reading your description of the rim and the base, your vase might be by Magnor. It's a well-made piece. What I said about how the bubble effect at the bottom was more about the aesthetics of it more than a reflection of how well it was done technically. Sorry, not great photos, but see what you think.

David