20th Century Design Online
Description:
Tapio Wirkkala (Finnish, 1915-1985) for Soinne et Kni Leaf Dish, Finland, 1954, laminated birch, ink stamp mark "Finland," incised monogram "TW," lg. 6 1/2 in.
Note: Wirkkala was a leading figure of modern Finnish industrial art. His work ranges from glass, furniture and product design to sculpture, city planning, art, graphics and even creating banknotes for the Finnish treasury.
The wood rings in two colors on Wirkkala's laminated plywood platter emphasize its shell-like shape, combining the at-once manmade and natural qualities of plywood with an organic inspiration. Wirkkala played with the straight lines made by the plywood's layers by cutting the laminate into round-edged shapes that recalled leaves or shells; this made the plywood's straight lines seem to curve in a more organic way. He came up with the idea for his plywood dishes while visiting Soinne et Kni, a company that made laminated plywood for airplane propellers. The dark and light stripes on the edge of a plywood board, made by the alternating layers of glue and wood, made Wirkkala think of the growth rings on a tree trunk, and he decided to use this little-seen facet of plywood in a refined but naturalistic series of platters and bowls. These plywood platters were a sensation in 1951, winning grand prize at the Milan IX Triennale design exposition and being named the most beautiful object of the year by House Beautiful magazine. (kirtlandmuseum.org)
Estimate $2,000-3,000
Good to very good condition. There is a faint mark left by adhesive from a label and a small, light water stain in the rim.
Items may have wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
Keywords
house beautiful, Milan20th Century Design
With an eye for excellent design and superior quality, the 20th Century Design department curates auctions of furnishings, ceramics, glass, lighting, and art by the top tier of modern and contemporary designers.