Virva table lamp, linen

Iittala’s Virva table lamp’s mouth-blown shade has lovely fluted surface that creates a beautiful reflection when the light is on. Designer Matti Klenell drew inspiration for the lamp from Iittala’s extensive archive of glass products; he was particularly fascinated by different textured surfaces of old glass designs. To create just the right texture, the Virva lamp has been blown into a carved mold with each line carved by hand, one by one. Horizontal on one side and V-shaped on the other, the fluted surface gives the lamp a beautifully sculptural appearance even when turned off.

Virva is also inspired by Nordic folklore: the name is a reference to the Finnish word ”virvatuli”, meaning Will-o’-the-wisp in English. In Nordic folklore, Will-o’-the-wisps are phantom lights seen floating over swamps and other uninhabited areas, thought to be spirits misleading travellers in the dark by carrying a lantern. Will-o’-the-wisps can also be seen as a symbol of hope, as in some stories they are told to mark the location of a secret treasure buried by fairies.

Matti Klenell

At the heart of Iittala's design ethos lies a playful yet enduring approach to Finnish glassware craftsmanship. Since its inception in 1881, this spirited company has evolved from a glass manufacturer to a beacon of Finnish design – a creative cosmos of functional beauty. Although glass still remains at the core of its heritage, Iittala’s collections are nowadays a testament to the joy of everyday living, offering a kaleidoscope of versatile tableware and décor in all colours of glass. Step into the enchanting world of Iittala and sprinkle a little magic into your daily routines!