Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985), Set of vases, Finlande, 1948/1954

Produced by the Iittala factory, these pieces of glass are variations on the vase called “Kantarelli” the first version of which was prototyped in 1946 and then produced in an edition of 100 for the Milan triennial of 1951. In the context of production that was still partly artisanal, and to evoke the gills of the chanterelle mushroom, Wirkkala invented this decoration of parallel lines engraved with a wheel, emphasizing the outlines and creating a contrast between matt and brilliant that has great tactile vibrancy.