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Rare Tapio Wirkkala Rosenthal Sculptural Design Glass Vase Model 2515, Signed
€790Bid from €649
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Private sellerBerlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 23 sales
Product description
Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Glass – Model 2515 Vase in Smoky Green and Amethyst – Signed, Germany, 1963
A refined and architecturally poised glass vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal in 1963, model 2515. This sculptural piece exemplifies Wirkkala’s rare ability to reconcile organic fluidity with disciplined modernist form—an approach that positioned him among the most influential designers of postwar Europe.
The vase is composed in a vertically stacked, hourglass-like silhouette: two cylindrical volumes joined by a subtly constricted waist. This formal tension between mass and narrowing creates a rhythmic equilibrium, lending the object both stability and visual dynamism. It is a composition that feels at once inevitable and quietly radical.
Executed in layered glass, the piece transitions from a deep, smoky green upper register into a rich amethyst-purple core, before softening again toward a more translucent base. This chromatic interplay is not merely decorative; it is integral to the object’s spatial perception. Light is absorbed, refracted, and held within the glass, producing a shifting internal luminosity that changes throughout the day.
The thick, polished rim and weighted base reflect the technical excellence of Rosenthal’s glassworks during this period, while the engraved signature “T. Wirkkala” confirms its authorship and places it firmly within the designer’s celebrated collaboration with the German manufacturer.
Designer
Tapio Wirkkala (1915–1985) stands as a central figure in 20th-century design, renowned for his ability to bridge Finnish organicism with international modernism. His work spans glass, ceramics, metalwork, and industrial design, yet it is in glass that his sculptural sensibility finds its most poetic expression.
His collaboration with Rosenthal in the 1960s marked a significant expansion of his practice beyond Finland, resulting in a series of glass objects that combine Nordic restraint with a more continental material richness. These works are increasingly recognized as key contributions to European studio and industrial glass design.
Manufacturer
Rosenthal, Germany, one of the most important porcelain and glass producers of the 20th century, became a platform for avant-garde design through its collaborations with leading international artists. The company’s glass production in the 1960s reflects a commitment to both technical precision and artistic innovation.
Details
Model: 2515
Designer: Tapio Wirkkala
Manufacturer: Rosenthal
Origin: Germany
Year: 1963
Material: Cased / layered glass
Color: Smoky green, amethyst purple, clear
Height: 23.7 cm
Diameter: 11 cm
Marking: Signed “T. Wirkkala” (engraved)
Condition
Very good vintage condition. Light surface wear and minor scratches to the rim consistent with age and careful use. No chips, cracks, or structural damage. The glass remains clear and vibrant, with excellent preservation of form and color.
Collector’s Note
Model 2515 belongs to a group of Wirkkala designs in which volume, color, and optical density are treated as a unified sculptural language. Compared to his more widely circulated clear glass works, the colored variants—particularly in green and amethyst tones—are less common and increasingly sought after.
This piece occupies a compelling position between functional vessel and autonomous sculpture. Whether displayed alone or integrated into a curated collection of postwar European glass, it carries the quiet authority characteristic of Wirkkala’s most enduring work.
General Information
International buyers are welcome. Please contact in advance for precise delivery costs outside the EU. Any import duties or taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.
I always describe and photograph items as accurately as possible. Vintage pieces may show slight signs of age or manufacturing nuances. Any major imperfections are mentioned clearly in the description.
Multiple items can often be combined for shipping—please inquire before purchase.
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsGrey, Purple, Green, Red, Multi ColorMaterialGlassNumber of items1BrandRosenthalHeight23 cmWidth11 cmDepth11 cm
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Seller information
About this seller
Private sellerBerlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 23 sales