iittala Tapio was designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1952, and received the Grand Prix Award at the Milan Triennale in 1954. With an innovative design that proudly bears the artist's own moniker, Tapio Wirkkala masterfully suspends a single air bubble inside the weighted stem of each glass. Tapio Wirkkala has produced over 400 designs for iittala, all of which showcase continual technical advances as well strong influences from observations of natural phenomena.

Finnish design has a long history and is know for simplicity, functionality, and craftsmanship. It's trademark designs emerged in the early 20th century, and gained international attention through pioneers like Alvar Aalto in architecture and furniture, as well as companies such as Iittala, Artek, and Marimekko. Their work emphasized clean lines, natural materials, and a harmonious balance between beauty and practicality. Everything must have a purpose. Iconic products like the Aalto vase, Artek’s Stool 60, and Marimekko’s bold textile patterns established Finland as a leader in modernist design. Over the next century, Finnish design became synonymous with high quality, technical skill, and timeless aesthetics—qualities that have earned it global recognition, particularly during the postwar years when Nordic design was celebrated worldwide, and still is. Today, Finnish products continue to enjoy international respect, not only for their aesthetic value but also for their reputation of reliability, thoughtful construction, and cultural authenticity.