| Detailed specifications | |
| Maker | iitala |
| designer |
Tapio Wirkkala |
| Series name | Niva |
| Year | 1972-1992 |
| Country of manufacture | Finland |
| condition |
★★★★☆ (4.5: Very good condition) This is a deadstock item with no signs of use. As this is vintage glass, there may be individual differences such as air bubbles and wipe marks on the glass. We have multiple stocks of this item. All items will be sent in the same condition as shown in the photos. If you would like to check the individual photos, please contact us via message. |
| size | Diameter 7.5cm Height 7cm Capacity 200ml |
This whiskey glass is from the Niva series by Tapio Wirkkala, a leading Finnish designer. Tapio Wirkkala is a legendary designer for Iittala, and is a representative figure of 20th century Finnish Nordic modernism, having been involved in all kinds of industrial design, including fixtures, furniture, and postage stamps.
The design is inspired by flowing water, natural trees and leaves, and the name Niva means "fast-flowing water" in Finnish. The raised area in the center represents a gushing rapids. Niva glasses are still available in reproduction form, but this is an original vintage item produced between the 1970s and 1990s. Made from blown glass, there are slight wipe marks on the thick base.
Iittala vintage glassware has a slightly different overall transparency compared to modern versions. Originally, Iittala glassware was made by pouring molten glass into a mold, so there was no big difference in shape between vintage and modern versions, but modern versions are characterized by a higher transparency due to the evolution of lead-free glass molding technology. However, vintage glassware has its edges finished by hand by artisans. Therefore, when you touch it with your fingers, you can feel a slight unevenness on the edges. Modern versions are all machine-managed, so there is no fluctuation that is typical of handmade products. Also, vintage glassware has a slightly thinner and softer mouth, so it feels softer when it touches your mouth.
This whiskey glass has not been reproduced and is only available as a vintage item. It was made for multiple purposes, such as for drinking spirits such as whiskey or vodka on the rocks, as a small plate for sweets, or as a small bowl.
Tapio Wirkkala
Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985)
An important figure in Finnish industrial design, he left behind genius achievements in a variety of design fields. His extensive body of work ranges from glass, furniture and product design to sculpture, urban planning and Finnish banknotes. While his work was internationally acclaimed and he held exhibitions all over the country, he was a man who loved nature and preferred solitude, and lived in a mountain hut in a deep forest area. His unique perspective has brought him numerous awards, most notably the Gold Medal at the Milan Triennale three times.
In 1946, Virkala won the first design award at Iittala's competition and became the company's art director, gaining worldwide recognition. His achievements include over 400 glass works created for Iittala, especially the Ultima Thule series and Tapio series, which are still loved by many people today.