The Kuksa glass by Tapio Wirkkala is Hanna-Katariina Mononen’s favorite object
“The Kuksa glass is a distinctively poetic object, and its expressive design feels like a message from the designer himself,” says writer and stylist Hanna-Katariina Mononen.
“I HAD SET MY HEART on a Kuksa glass, a 1962 design by Tapio Wirkkala, before I found one by chance at a flea market. I often fall in love with objects beforehand, being captivated by a certain quality or the story behind them. However, I have no immediate urge to own them. Sometimes, my relationship remains at the level of infatuation, and I just admire objects at a distance, as if I owned them. The flea market had several Kuksas, but I bought just one. I felt it was more special to me on its own.
As its name suggests, the Kuksa glass bears close resemblance to a traditional drinking vessel used by the Sami people in Lapland.
“I often fall in love with objects beforehand, being captivated by a certain quality or the story behind them.”
Tapio Wirkkala designed Kuksa in two colors and sizes, but only the smaller,gray version made it into production.
It has become a cherished object, and I carry it around the house as a water glass on a daily basis. My hands have become accustomed to its special, alluring shape. I feel that certain objects act as silent partners in life, enabling simple, smooth everyday routines. Wirkkala’s Kuksa is among the more special, awe-inspiring objects that force me to pause and focus on mundane moments and appreciate them in a different way.
I admire Wirkkala and how he lived for his work. Being such an old and personal object, Kuksa provides a kind of tangible link to his work. It was also one of his personal favorites.
“The flea market had several Kuksas, but I bought just one. I felt it was more special to me on its own,” says Hanna-Katariina Mononen.
Wirkkala designed Kuksa in two sizes and colors, but only the smaller, smoke-gray version went into production at the time. I find the story of the larger, clear-glass Kuksa touching: it was placed in the dressing room of the Wirkkala family’s sauna, and was used by all family members for drinking fresh, cold water.”
What is Franckly?
• Franckly.com is a new online marketplace for pre-owned design
• Created and curated by Finnish Design Shop
• Buy and sell pre-owned design treasures: Franckly.com >
See also:
• Tableware by Tapio Wirkkala at Franckly >
Text and photos: Suvi Kesäläinen
Published on 6 Oct, 2020
