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Tapio Wirkkala is renowned as one the pioneers of Finnish Modernist design. The title of this pendant - Hopeakuu - reflects Wirkkala’s love of nature.
The repeated sphere has a kinetic element allowing the rings to move independently of each other. A key element of Wirkkala’s design ethos was the use of geometric shapes.
Hopeakuu (Silver Moon) pendant, designed by Tappio Wirkkala, manufactured by Nils Westerback, Helsinki, for Kultakeskus Oy, Finland, c 1970
Date
c 1970
Designed by
Tappio Wirkkala
Made from
Silver
Made in
Helsinki, Finland
Museum reference
The work of Finnish designer and sculptor, Tapio Wirkkala (1915-85) embraced traditional materials and techniques. Inspired by the Finnish landscape, his earlier jewellery pieces are taken from nature or feature mythical characters. Later pieces are characterized by delicate metal forms and geometric patterns, similar to his sculpture and industrial designs. Wirkkala was a prolific designer who worked across various mediums.
This Pinus vase was manufactured by Iittala. Wirkkala was associated with Iittala for over 40 years, creating more than 400 designs for the company.
Vase with vertical ridges, of thick clear glass, called Arcadia, designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, Finland
Collaborating with Murano glassmakers Venini, Wirkkala experimented with techniques such as vetro filigrana, incalmo, murrines and metallic inclusions to colour glass.
At the end of the Second World War, Design Councils across Scandinavia and Finland initiated measures to renew trade, nurture young talent and position their designers in all areas of decorative art, craft and design.
Finland has had a strong national design identity from the 1930s. Finnish jewellers integrated folk heritage with natural form. From the early 1960s Finnish manufacturers such as Lapponia, celebrated the uniqueness and texture of Lapland gold, and came to international attention.
Presented by the Art Fund.
Header image: Detail of Hopeakuu (Silver Moon) pendant, designed by Tappio Wirkkala, manufactured by Nils Westerback, Helsinki, for Kultakeskus Oy, Finland, c 1970
