Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala | Gaissa whiskey glass

Overview

Vintage whiskey glass from the Gaissa series, designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala in 1973.

The name Gáissa comes from the Sámi word for mountain, and the form reflects that northern landscape directly. The clear cylindrical bowl rises from a heavy sculptural base, where the glass becomes irregular, rocky and almost frozen in movement.

This is one of those Wirkkala designs where the object feels calm at first glance, then reveals more detail when held in the hand.

Design

Gaissa belongs to the organic modernist language that made Finnish glass so distinctive in the second half of the 20th century. Wirkkala often worked with forms drawn from ice, stone, water, plants and the northern landscape. Here the idea is concentrated in the base: thick, uneven glass that looks like melting ice or a mountain surface seen through water.

The upper part remains simple and functional, while the lower part carries the visual drama. This contrast makes the glass especially strong as both a drinking glass and a collectible Finnish design object.

Designer

Tapio Wirkkala was one of Finland’s most important modern designers, internationally known for his glass, silver, plywood, ceramics and graphic design. His best glass pieces are not decorative in a conventional sense. They are studies of material, light and natural structure.

Gaissa is a good example of this approach: heavy, clear, tactile and unmistakably Nordic.

Details

Designer: Tapio Wirkkala

Manufacturer: Iittala

Series: Gaissa

Model: 2022

Year: 1973

Material: clear glass

Capacity: 28 cl

Height: 8.5 cm

Diameter: 8 cm

Condition

Very good vintage condition. Light signs of age may be present.

For Collectors and Use

A strong choice for a collector of Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala glass, Finnish modernism or Nordic organic design. It can also be used as a whiskey glass, tumbler or small serving glass.

The weight of the base gives it a solid, satisfying feel, while the clear glass keeps the form visually sharp and timeless.