Tapio Wirkkala floor lamp
This is a rare adjustable floor lamp, model K10-47, designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1960 and produced by Idman in Finland. The lamp demonstrates Wirkkala’s refined ability to balance sculptural form with functional engineering, a hallmark of his work across both lighting and industrial design.
The construction combines black lacquered metal with polished brass details and a teak grip, creating a striking contrast between matte and reflective surfaces as well as warm and cool materials. The cylindrical black shade is accented by a brass ring, and the geometric brass counterweight allows for smooth and precise adjustment of the lamp’s height and angle. This flexibility makes the lamp suitable for both direct task lighting and ambient illumination. The base is formed in a solid cylindrical shape with a tapered transition, lending the piece visual stability.
The condition is excellent, with only minor signs of age consistent with careful preservation, and the patinated brass adds to the authenticity of the piece. Idman, a major Finnish lighting manufacturer, collaborated closely with leading designers such as Wirkkala and Paavo Tynell, producing lamps that are now highly sought after for their technical ingenuity and aesthetic clarity.
Literature
Marianne Aav, Eeva Viljanen (eds), “Tapio Wirkkala – Eye, Hand and Thought”, Art and Industry Museum, Helsinki, WSOY, 2000, pp. 382-383, no. 494.
Dimensions (cm) | W: 12.5 / D: 75 / H: 113.5 |
Producer | Idman |
Color | Black |
Decade | 1960s |
Country | Finland |
Style | Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern |
Material | Brass, Lacquer, Teak |
Designed in | 1960 |
Item Number | 250311 |
Tapio Wirkkala