The first-ever retrospective in Japan, “Tapio Wirkkala ：The Sculptor of Ultima Thule”, is currently being held at the Tokyo Station Gallery. TAKT PROJECT’s representative, Satoshi Yoshiizumi, has contributed an essay to the official art book accompanying the exhibition, titled “Tapio Wirkkala ：The Sculptor of Ultima Thule.”
Wirkkala was a profoundly influential figure in the world of Finnish modern design.
We hope you’ll take the opportunity to explore both the exhibition and this thoughtfully crafted publication.
 
 
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Tapio Wirkkala (1915–1985) was a multifaceted designer whose prolific 69-year career spanned glass, porcelain, lighting, furniture, graphic design, wood sculpture, metalwork, and even landscape art.
 
His ideas were born from careful observation of nature and the urban environment, and he brought them to life through his own hands—sketching, carving, and shaping with a gentle yet focused touch. Wirkkala consistently engaged directly with the act of making, and this visual book conveys not only his works but also his mindset and sensibility. It is published in conjunction with the exhibition.
 
Blending richly colored photographs taken by Wirkkala himself with images of his works and drawings, the book invites readers on a sensory journey through thematic layers such as “Texture,” “Form,” “Lapland,” “Urbanity,” and “Cycles”—as if experiencing the world through Wirkkala’s eyes and hands.
 
The book features essays by five contributors: Daniel Niles (Research Institute for Humanity and Nature)／Satoshi Yoshiizumi (TAKT PROJECT)／Masaru Katsumi (Craft Critic)／Hiroshi Eguchi (Distiller)／Sami Wirkkala (Designer / Son of Tapio Wirkkala)
It also includes a text by artist Maaria Wirkkala (Daughter of Tapio Wirkkala). (Excerpted from the publisher’s note)
 
Publisher：Blue Sheep (2025.3.21)
Art Direction：Amanda Ling-Ning Lo (intermediArt)
Typography & Design：Sakiko Kagayama
Editors：Amanda Ling-Ning Lo, Reiko Imamura, Asumi Shibasaki
In cooperation with：Tapio Wirkkala Rut Bryk Foundation, EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art
Translation：Etsuro Endo, Simo Vassinen、Yuko Sakurama
Proofreading：Kaoru Mori
Printing & Binding: Shinano Printing Co., Ltd.
 
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Exhibition Schedule  "Tapio Wirkkala： The Sculptor of Ultima Thule"

Tokyo Station Gallery (Tokyo): April 5 (Sat) – June 15 (Sun), 2025
Itami City Museum of Art (Hyogo): August 1 (Fri) – October 13 (Mon), 2025
Museum of Modern Ceramic Art, Gifu (Gifu): October 25 (Sat), 2025 – January 12 (Mon), 2026