Posted 10 years ago
mikelv85
(1230 items)
This was a purchase today at GW that was totally based on the design quality. An interesting 9" decanter. Didn't know anything about it other than I liked it. Really reflects the cold weather we've been having lately. Looks like it's made out of ice. My hunch was right as indicated below. -Mike-
Design description :
The design of the decanter is called Ultima Thule designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1968 for Iittala. Ultima Thule is the area believed by the ancients to be the northern most land in the inhabited world. The ice and freezing cold of Scandinavia is echoed in the textured sides and bubbled glass on the base in this series.
Scandanavian Design .com
Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985)
Was one of the pioneers of Finnish industrial art who gained international recognition in the years following the Second World War. This was due to his broad aesthetic scope and his refined exhibition designs. Conflicting aspects combined in Tapio Wirkkala's life and art. He was equally at home in metropolitan's abroad as in the wilds of Lapland, where he sought inspiration and impulses for his advanced design rooted solidly in the most genuine aspects of the Finnish experience.
GREAT FIND!! These don't grow on trees. I love this design. I have a bunch of the bowls. Also had a pitcher but flipped it. I think it's meant to look like melting ice
Whiskey glasses
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/53481-scandinavian-bonanza
Pitcher
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/41762-fab-finnish-find
Thanks Amber...I was surprised how fast I tracked this down online. Someone had one on their blog because they collect Scandanavian glass. Didn't look like it was part of a set. I did see the pitcher and glasses like you have though, Just thought it looked like an interesting piece and took a guess it was Scandy . Glass is not my forte. It all looks new or old to me at the same time.
I'm learning. The internet is a wonderful resource as well as everyone on CW :)
I had a small dish that matches this. Unfortunately, no cure what became of it.
stunning!!!!!
Wirkkala's Ultima Thule is such a great range! This decanter comes in two sizes. There's a smaller one standing around 6 inches tall and two jugs with simmilar design but different spout. I recently took pics of those in my collection, so will be postng them here very soon!.
Thank you Austrohungaro...I checked out your collection "love" it all. Wonderful pieces ! -Mike-
Thanks Mikel!!! They're in fact two people's collections: mine and my partner's. I am afraid the most spectacular pieces belong to his!
How cold i forget about you posting this? it's only been three months after all.... my bad, bad memory!
I can't even remember 3 days ago Austro ... don't feel bad !....lol
LOL plus, how many glass items do we see at CW every day??? :P