Rosenthal Satin Glass Vase Duo by Tapio Wirkkala – Sculptural Frosted Glass Forms, Germany, 1970s
An exceptionally elegant duo of sculptural satin glass vases designed by legendary Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal, Germany. Executed in softly frosted translucent glass, the pair demonstrates Wirkkala’s remarkable ability to merge organic fluidity with disciplined modernist geometry.
The vases belong to one of the designer’s most refined glass series for Rosenthal, where subtle asymmetry and flowing contours transform simple vessels into quietly poetic sculptural objects.
Designer & Models
• Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal
Model: 22531 / Decor 110436
Material: Satin frosted glass
Color: Transparent / translucent white
Dimensions
• Larger Vase
Height: 20 cm
Width: 17 cm
Depth: 14.5 cm
Base diameter: approx. 7 cm
• Smaller Vase
Height: 18 cm
Width: 17 cm
Depth: 14.5 cm
Design & Form
The silhouette unfolds upward from a narrow cylindrical base into a softly flaring biomorphic mouth with gently undulating contours reminiscent of flower petals, melting ice, or flowing fabric. The restrained satin finish diffuses light beautifully, allowing the forms to appear almost weightless despite their sculptural presence.
What makes the duo particularly compelling is the subtle proportional variation between the two pieces. Rather than functioning as simple scaled reproductions, the differing heights create a refined spatial rhythm, emphasizing Wirkkala’s sensitivity to balance, volume, and negative space.
The vases embody many of the qualities that made Tapio Wirkkala one of the defining figures of Scandinavian modernism:
• organic abstraction
• nature-derived geometry
• tactile restraint
• extraordinary control of material and light
Condition
Both vases remain in very good to excellent vintage condition with minimal traces of age and handling.
No chips, cracks, or restorations observed.
About the Designer
Tapio Wirkkala (1915–1985) stands among the most important Nordic designers of the 20th century. Internationally celebrated for his work in glass, porcelain, silver, and industrial design, he became known for translating natural phenomena—ice formations, water erosion, leaves, stone, snow, and organic growth—into highly distilled modernist objects.
Though best associated with Finnish glass design and manufacturers such as Iittala, his collaborations with Rosenthal produced some of the most elegant and sculptural European glass and porcelain objects of the postwar period.
About Rosenthal
Rosenthal’s collaborations with internationally renowned designers transformed the company into one of the leading forces in postwar European design culture. By inviting artists such as Tapio Wirkkala to experiment across materials and forms, Rosenthal elevated utilitarian objects into collectible sculptural works.
Why This Duo Works
• Elegant proportional dialogue between the two heights
• Beautiful interaction of light through satin frosted glass
• Organic sculptural forms with unmistakable Scandinavian influence
• Ideal for minimalist, modernist, or collector-oriented interiors
• Strong standalone presence even without flowers
A refined and quietly lyrical pairing — simultaneously architectural and organic, understated yet unmistakably iconic.
GENERAL INFORMATION
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Naturally occurring manufacturer’s defects, slight surface scratching, or wear consistent with normal use may be present.
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Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsTransparentMaterialGlassNumber of items2StyleVintageBrandRosenthalHeight20 cmWidth17 cmDepth14 cm