Niva glassware
Multitalented designer Tapio Wirkkala had a unique skill of imitating the beauty of northern nature in his works. For Wirkkala both the age-old towns in Central Europe as well as the beautiful Finnish Lapland were equally important and he drew inspiration for his works especially from the latter.
Designed in 1972, the beloved Niva series was in production until 1992 and is now back after a 30-year hiatus. Niva is a Finnish word describing a sudden river rapid: it is easy to find the resemblance of a wild-flowing river from the embossed surface of the glass.
Niva glassware is available for a limited time exclusively in Iittala stores and at iittala.com.
Tapio Wirkkala
Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) was a multitalented design genius, widely considered a leading figure of modern Finnish industrial art. Wirkkala’s wide ranging portfolio spans from glass, furniture and product design to sculpture, city planning, art, graphics and even creating banknotes for the Finnish treasury. As his reputation grew internationally, Wirkala exhibited throughout the world but he was a recluse by nature. His favorite place was a spot so remote within the deep woodlands of middle Finland that helicopters delivered prototypes to his hut since no car could reach him. It was in nature that he found his much loved solitude and the inspiration for forms that industry could produce or artwork could create. Throughout his incredibly productive career, Wirkkala received numerous awards including three gold medals at the Milan Triennale, the Lunning Prize, Pro Finlandia Medal and the Prince Eugen Medal.
In 1946, Wirkkala won his first design award in a competition sponsored by Iittala that would mark a lifelong relationship with lasting effects on his career and the company. As Iittala’s artistic director, Wirkkala’s unique artistic vision helped establish the company’s global reputation. Throughout his legendary career, the uniquely talented artist created more than four hundred glass objects for Iittala, many of which, like the Ultima Thule and Tapio series remain popular today.
More designs from Tapio Wirkkala:
Tapio Wirkkala’s iconic design legacy showcased in Japan for the first time on the artist’s 110th anniversary
The Sculptor of Ultima Thule presents the work of Tapio Wirkkala – master of form …
The Ultima Thule shot glass celebrates Tapio Wirkkala’s 110th birthday
Special edition: available while supplies last, so act fast! The Ultima Thule shot glass celebrates …
The glass ice platter resembles a piece of melting ice floating on water designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1976
ICE FLOE The Ice Floe, designed by Tapio Wirkkala, is truly something amazing. It’s a …
Ultima Thule Old Fashioned glass and pitcher is available in a special edition colour: copper
Tapio Wirkkala defied the conventions of glassblowing with his iconic Ultima Thule collection. Inspired by …
Iittala expands The Ultima Thule collection with vases to celebrate its 55th Anniversary
In 2023, the Ultima Thule collection by Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala celebrates its 55th anniversary. …
Tapio Wirkkala – Form 5/10 2022 – 6/10 2024 @ Espoo Museum of Modern Art
Tapio Wirkkala, Neliö (detail), 1950s. Tapio Wirkkala Rut Bryk Foundation Collection / EMMA © Ari …
Niva series by Tapio Wirkkala from 1972 – Iittala
Niva glassware Multitalented designer Tapio Wirkkala had a unique skill of imitating the beauty of …
Still/Life – Tapio Wirkkala Retrospective Exhibition
The exhibition will celebrate Wirkkala’s long career in design and art. The exhibition also places …
Iittala honours Tapio Wirkkala’s centenary
2015 marks 100 years since the birth of Tapio Wirkkala. Wirkkala de-signed a significant proportion …
Tapio Wirkkala
Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) was one of the pioneers of Finnish industrial art who gained international …