Tapio Wirkkala ‘Varsanjalka' Bud Vase

A sleek and sculptural vintage clear glass bud vase, designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, Finland.

This exquisitely hand-blown and hand-cut biomorphic vase rises gracefully from a slender base, swelling at the top before folding gently inward and outward again. The form is essentially an abstract interpretation of a flower before bloom. Specifically, the vase is modelled on foal’s foot (commonly known as coltsfoot), or ‘Varsanjalka’ in Finnish — a plant that bears a passing resemblance to the dandelion.

The finely cut vertical lines running the full length of the glass represent the many long florets and bracts that make up the coltsfoot flower. Understandably ‘Varsanjalka' is the name given to this model 3215 vase, which Wirkkala designed in a series of varying heights from approximately 12 to 26 centimetres.

Originally conceived in 1947, this elegant, budding-flower-shaped form exemplifies Wirkkala’s remarkable ability to distil natural forms into pure Modernist design. In 1948, the Museum of Modern Art in New York acquired an example for its permanent collection, and in 1951 the ‘Varsanjalka’ vase was exhibited at the Triennale di Milano. Iittala continued production until 1959, the piece brilliantly reflecting Wirkkala’s deep fascination with organic forms.