Glass Plates Inspired by Glaciers

The Ultima Thule plate is the latest addition to the classic collection from Iittala . The plate was introduced in 2015 to mark the 100th birthday of designer Tapio Wirkkala. Ultima Thule is a collection of glassworks that clearly reflects the long and arduous work that went into perfecting the craftsmanship. The unique effect of the bowls and their appearance mimic nature: Tapio Wirkkala was inspired by the melting ice of Lapland’s glaciers when designing them. Hence the name Ultima Thule, which is the name of the world’s northernmost point on land. Today, the Ultima Thule collection is considered a classic. The series played a major role in Iittala ’s international breakthrough. The finely crafted glass plate showcases the distinctive power of Finnish glasswork. The shapes of the plates by Iittala vary from piece to piece, depending on how the molten glass envelops the wooden molds during production. Even though the plate was not part of the Ultima Thule series from the beginning, it still blends seamlessly with the other pieces from Iittala ’s classic series.