On offer is a white, porcelain cylindrical vase with a matte (bisque or biscuit) exterior and glazed interior, created by internationally renowned Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal (Germany). The piece’s pattern shows a sublime, textured relief of bead-shaped spheres randomly running down vertical ridges — creating an impression of movement, The vase is clearly in the Scandinavian / Nordic aesthetic, with its organic, minimalist, and elegant design and which also imitates the shape and feel of nature. Wirkkala was inspired by the shapes of natural phenomena, such as the bark of trees and the undulating ice formations of his Finnish surroundings. This vase, from the 1970s, evokes the texture of tree bark with melting ice. Indeed, the piece exemplifies Wirkkala’s unparalleled ability to design functional/utilitarian pieces that are exquisitely artistic and nature-inspired. Wirkkala’s porcelain and glass works are highly pursued by collectors around the world. MEASUREMENTS: 16 cm high, 6 cm wide/diameter. CONDITION: The vase is in excellent condition, without scratches, cracks or repairs. A few minor signs of wear, mostly on the underside MAKER’S MARKS: Stamped on the underside are Rosenthal’s maker’s mark, GERMANY, T Wirkkala’s signature, and the Studio-linie symbol. TRANSPORT: The vase will be very carefully wrapped and boxed, and shipped with a tracking code. TAPIO WIRKKALA (1915-1985) was one Finland’s leading artists and designers of the 20th century. Wirkkala was part of the Nordic design tradition aiming for clarity in shape that was timeless, organic, and as ‘cool’ as Scandinavian nature. He studied at the University of Art and Design in Helsinki and worked for many decades for Iittala, Rosenthal and Murano — among others. Wirkkala is known globally for creating many iconic designs.