Overview
A sculptural Finnish glass vase and art object designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala in the 1960s. Model 3305 is a compact but weighty piece, made in deep blue satin glass with a rounded rectangular form and a quietly experimental surface.
The vase is signed: Tapio Wirkkala 3305.
Design
The form is simple at first glance: a softly squared cylinder with thick glass walls, rounded corners and an oval opening. The surface makes it more unusual. Raised and recessed oval drops are scattered across the front, catching light in different ways depending on the angle.
Some of these glass drops appear darker and deeper, while others look almost suspended inside the blue glass. The satin finish softens reflections and gives the vase a misted, tactile surface. When lit from behind or placed near a window, the blue shifts from smoky navy to clear Nordic blue.
The heavy base and calm outline keep the piece grounded, while the droplet pattern adds movement. It is a small vase, but visually strong enough to stand alone as an art glass object.
Designer and Maker
Tapio Wirkkala is one of the central names in Finnish design. His work for Iittala often explored natural forms, ice, water, texture and the optical possibilities of glass.
This vase belongs to that world: restrained in shape, but full of small details that reward close looking.
Details
Designer: Tapio Wirkkala
Maker: Iittala, Finland
Model: 3305
Period: 1960s
Material: heavy satin glass
Colour: deep blue, with darker edges and lighter translucent centre
Signed: Tapio Wirkkala 3305
Measurements
Height: 14 cm
Condition
Excellent vintage condition.
No chips or cracks. Very light signs of age may be present.
For Collectors
A distinctive Iittala art glass vase by Tapio Wirkkala, with an unusual droplet surface and a strong modernist silhouette. Suitable for collectors of Finnish glass, Scandinavian modern design and signed Iittala pieces.
