Finnish art glass vase from the Raito (Finnish for File of reindeer) series, designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala in the late 1970s. Heavy, clear and sharply architectural, it shows Wirkkala’s ability to turn a simple functional form into a piece of glass with real presence.
The vase has a tall square body with a softly undulating rim and a strong relief line running around the lower part. This wave like border gives the piece its distinctive rhythm. The lower section is thicker and more textured.
Design and Glasswork
Raito was produced by Iittala from 1977 to 1980. The vase was made from solid clear glass, blown into a mould.
About the Designer
Tapio Wirkkala is one of the central names in Finnish design of the twentieth century. His work for Iittala includes some of the best known pieces in Scandinavian glass, often combining strict form with references to ice, water, stone and the Finnish landscape.
Raito belongs to the later period of his Iittala glass design, where weight, structure and surface relief became part of the visual language.
Details
Designer: Tapio Wirkkala
Maker: Iittala, Finland
Series: Raito
Period of production: 1977 to 1980
Item: vase
Material: clear glass
Technique: mould blown glass
Height: 16.5 cm
Condition
Very good vintage condition.
There are a couple of small air bubbles in the glass, typical for this type of vintage glass production.
For Collectors and Interiors
A strong piece for collectors of Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala glass and late 20th century Finnish design. It works well as a vase, but also stands confidently as a glass object on its own. The square profile, heavy base and wave relief make it especially good for minimal interiors, shelves and focused display spaces.
