Tapio Wirkkala Kaleva Champagne Glass for Iittala

Tapio Wirkkala vintage champagne glass from the Kaleva series designed by Wirkkala for Iittala.

The form is unusually architectural for a drinking glass. A thick sculptural base rises into a long narrowing body that opens delicately toward the rim. The proportions give the piece a quiet sense of tension, balancing heaviness and fragility within the same silhouette.

Inside the heavy lower section, light bends through a deep optical indentation typical of Wirkkala’s glass work.

Originally designed as a champagne glass, the piece also works beautifully as a small vase for a single flower or branch.

Designer

Tapio Wirkkala

Tapio Wirkkala is considered one of the central names in Finnish modern design. His work for Iittala helped define the international image of Scandinavian glass during the twentieth century.

Across glass, sculpture, and industrial design, Wirkkala repeatedly explored themes connected with northern nature: ice, flowing water, polished stone and organic movement. His objects often rely on proportion, texture, and light rather than decorative detail.

Today his works remain among the most collected pieces of Finnish glass design.

Series

Kaleva

Produced between 1979 and 1991.

The Kaleva series belongs to the later period of Finnish modern glass design developed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala.

Manufacturer

Iittala
Finland

Material

Clear glass

Dimensions

Height: 16.4 cm
Diameter: 5.5 cm
Capacity: 16 cl

Condition

Very good vintage condition with light traces of age and careful use.

Design Details

The lower part of the glass carries substantial weight, while the upper section becomes thin and airy toward the rim. This contrast gives the object its recognizable character.

Against dark surfaces the thick clear base gathers reflections and creates almost mirrored depth inside the glass. The elongated shape also makes the piece visually striking when displayed empty.

Use

Originally intended for champagne, sparkling wine, or desserts. Also works naturally as a decorative single stem vase.