Tapio Wirkkala for Asko 'Nikke' Dining Chairs in Black Lacquered Plywood
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Tapio Wirkkala for Asko Oy, dining chairs, model '9019' steel, lacquered plywood, Finland, 1958
The Nikke chair, model ‘9019’ by Tapio Wirkkala for Asko Oy is a quietly radical exploration of organic geometry in industrial design. Its form is simple; a single molded plywood shell, lacquered in a black color, tapers in at the waist and flares out toward the shoulders and seat. The base consists of four slender tubular legs that provide a cool, metallic touch
Tapio Wirkkala (1915–1985), one of Finland’s most prominent designers, made a significant impact on Scandinavian mid-century modern design in the 20th century. Born and raised in Helsinki, he began his studies at the National School of Applied Arts before starting his career in graphic design. At the age of twenty-five, with the outbreak of the Second World War, Wirkkala served in the Finnish army.
After the war ended in 1945, he resumed his design career by joining the renowned glass manufacturer Iittala, where he continued to create innovative work until the end of his life. Wirkkala's design practice was remarkably diverse, encompassing furniture, porcelain, glass, jewelry, and tableware. His strength lay in seamlessly merging organic forms with industrial manufacturing processes.
A notable example of this is his inlaid coffee tables designed for Asko, which feature laminated plywood sculpted into abstract leaf-like surfaces. These works embody the essence of Wirkkala’s design philosophy: a sculptural yet refined modern aesthetic that harmonizes simplicity with functionality.
Kindly note that the chairs are in good, used condition with signs of age and use. For further details, we encourage you to reach out to our team of design specialists.
The Nikke chair, model ‘9019’ by Tapio Wirkkala for Asko Oy is a quietly radical exploration of organic geometry in industrial design. Its form is simple; a single molded plywood shell, lacquered in a black color, tapers in at the waist and flares out toward the shoulders and seat. The base consists of four slender tubular legs that provide a cool, metallic touch
Tapio Wirkkala (1915–1985), one of Finland’s most prominent designers, made a significant impact on Scandinavian mid-century modern design in the 20th century. Born and raised in Helsinki, he began his studies at the National School of Applied Arts before starting his career in graphic design. At the age of twenty-five, with the outbreak of the Second World War, Wirkkala served in the Finnish army.
After the war ended in 1945, he resumed his design career by joining the renowned glass manufacturer Iittala, where he continued to create innovative work until the end of his life. Wirkkala's design practice was remarkably diverse, encompassing furniture, porcelain, glass, jewelry, and tableware. His strength lay in seamlessly merging organic forms with industrial manufacturing processes.
A notable example of this is his inlaid coffee tables designed for Asko, which feature laminated plywood sculpted into abstract leaf-like surfaces. These works embody the essence of Wirkkala’s design philosophy: a sculptural yet refined modern aesthetic that harmonizes simplicity with functionality.
Kindly note that the chairs are in good, used condition with signs of age and use. For further details, we encourage you to reach out to our team of design specialists.
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Tapio Wirkkala for Asko 'Nikke' Dining Chairs in Black Lacquered Plywood
Sale price£4,524.24
Regular price
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