Tapio Wirkkala floor lamp

The prototype floor lamp model K10-11, designed by Tapio Wirkkala and produced by Idman in Finland, represents an experimental and refined approach to lighting from one of Finland’s most influential 20th-century designers. This early model, seldom seen outside of design archives and private collections, combines Wirkkala’s sculptural sensibility with functional versatility.

The lamp is constructed primarily from brass, with a matte, aged finish that has developed a natural patina over time. The structure includes an angular adjustable arm and joint system that enables repositioning of the light source. These articulating elements are precisely engineered, allowing for both vertical and lateral adjustments. The base is conical and finished in black, providing a visual anchor and stable support. It contrasts effectively with the golden hue of the brass and introduces a geometric clarity to the overall composition.

The shade is conical and painted in a soft, warm tone, maintaining its original finish with visible wear and slight discoloration consistent with age and use. A band of perforations near the top of the shade serves both aesthetic and functional purposes—providing subtle decorative light diffusion and allowing heat to escape from the bulb chamber. The form of the shade tapers cleanly toward the apex, echoing Wirkkala’s interest in tapered and organically derived silhouettes.

The lamp’s condition is good vintage, with signs of wear to the paint on the shade and minor oxidation on the brass surfaces. These features contribute to the authenticity of the prototype and emphasize its historical value. The adjustability remains functional, and the construction is sound.

Tapio Wirkkala, known for his multidisciplinary work across glass, metal, wood, and industrial design, approached lighting with the same balance of material sensitivity and formal experimentation that defined his broader oeuvre. Produced by Idman, a leading Finnish lighting manufacturer, this prototype reflects both Wirkkala’s modernist philosophy and Idman’s technical precision during the mid-20th century.

Dimensions: 17.5 cm base diameter × 80 cm depth × 130 cm height
In inches: 6.9 in Ø × 31.5 in depth × 51.2 in height