Iittala Ultima Thule Red Wine Glasses (Set of 2)
Legend has it that Ultima Thule was a far northern island buried in ice and snow, where the sun never set. Two thousand years ago, the ancient Greeks thought it was the edge of the world. Ultima Thule also has a deeper meaning; the extreme limits and capabilities of humankind, the ability to achieve the unattainable. Determined and continued experimentation with glassblowing techniques created Ultima Thule's unusual organic effect. The form gradually changes as molten glass burns the surface of the wooden moulds, crystallizing a particularly Finnish expression of glass in an eternal design classic.
MEASUREMENTS:
- Width: 7.6 cm / 3 inch
- Depth: 7.6 cm / 3 inch
- Height: 12.1 cm / 4.8 inch
- Volume: 7.75 oz
MATERIALS:
- Mouth-Blown Glass
HELPFUL NOTES:
- Dishwasher safe
- Non-leaded crystal
Tapio Wirkkala
Finland, 1915 - 1985
Born in Hanko, Finland. Tapio Wirkkala is known as the versatile genius of design. His contribution to design includes everything from glass products to the design of banknotes and graphic art. During his career, Wirkkala has participated in many interntional exhibitions, as well as being the artistic director of the University of Arts and Design in Helsinki for many years.
Among his most famous works have been the design for the Finlandia vodka bottle (1970-2000) and for Iittala's Ultima Thule set of kitchen glasses. Both glassware items feature a dripping icicle look, and in the case of Iittala's popular glassware it is said to have taken thousands of hours to develop a glassblowing technique that would produce the effect.
Wirkkala did much of his initial design work using a traditional Finnish carving knife, the puukko. Wirkkala designed his own version of the knife. The Tapio Wirkkala Puukko was built by Hackman Cutlery and marketed by Brookstone in the US in the early 70's. He has won a large number of awards, including three gold medals at the Triennale in Milan in 1951, followed by another three in 1954.
Founded in 1881 in iittala, Finland, iittala is known for defining the Nordic way of life. It began as a small glass shop and flourished during the early years of modernism and functionalism in the 1930s and 1940s. Now iittala also produces home accessories, kitchen and dining, and seasonal collections.
iittala collaborated with design pioneers Alvar and Aino Aalto, Kaj Franck, and Tapio Wirkkala. These projects furthered its belief in design's ability to reflect a balanced and conscious way of life. Iittala has always been deeply committed to creating high-quality, long-lasting products with timeless Nordic style.
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