Celebrated glassmaker Timo Sarpaneva was a pioneer of Finnish postwar design. He led the formation of the utilitarian and artistic side of mid-century modern style. Sarpaneva’s glass vases, serveware and table lamps have a sculptural yet functional quality, making them adaptable for both decorative and utilitarian use.
Sarpaneva was born in 1926 in Helsinki and spent his childhood visiting his grandparents in the countryside. There, he was influenced by a barter economy where everything was made by hand and traded for services and wares.
In 1948, Sarpaneva graduated from the Institute for Industrial Arts in Helsinki (now the University of Art and Design Helsinki). He participated in the 1951 Triennale di Milano, submitting an embroidered coffee cozy that confused but delighted the judges and garnered a silver medal.
Around this time, Sarpaneva began experimenting with glassblowing. He transformed the traditional wet-stick method by creating a bubble within the molten glass, allowing him to work from the inside out. In 1954, he returned to the Triennale di Milano and won his first Grand Prize.
In the 1950s, Sarpaneva was hired at the glassware company Iittala, where he became a leading glass designer. Sarpaneva even designed the company logo, which is still used today. He worked for the company for over four decades until his death in 2006 at 79.
Sarpaneva’s illustrious career earned international recognition. His honors included being named Honorary Royal Designer for Industry by the Royal Society of Arts in London in 1963. He received honorary doctorates from the Royal College of Art in London in 1967 and the University of Art and Design Helsinki in 1993.
In 2018, the Helsinki Design Museum exhibited a retrospective of “the golden boy of Finland’s Golden Age of design”.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Timo Sarpaneva decorative objects, serveware, lighting and more.
Pair of Sterling Silver Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks by Timo Sarpeneva
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Mid-Century Modern, sterling silver candlesticks, hallmarked for Stockholm, Sweden, circa 1950s, Timo Sarpeneva, maker. Each candlestick measures 2 1/4 inches high x 2 1/2 in...
Sterling Silver
Large Pair of Marcel Crystal Candlesticks by Timo Sarpaneva for Littala
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Danville, CA
Large Pair of Marcel crystal candlesticks by Timo Sarpaneva for Littala. Marcel, designed by Timo Sarpaneva, is one of the objects that was created for the new residence of the Presi...
Crystal
Pair of Finnish Crystal Candleholders by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful pair of Finnish crystal candleholders design by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala in 1994. Both candleholders are signed, dated and retain the Iit...
Crystal
$240Sale Price / set|52% Off
Set of 3 Iittala Finnish Candlesticks Designed by Timo Sarpaneva
By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of 3 staggered in size Iittala candlesticks. Textured clear molded glass composed as a column with projecting bands, a flared mouth and a round base. Designed by Timo Sarpaneva f...
Glass
Set of 6 Glass 'Festivo' Candlesticks by Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala, Finland, 1960s
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva, Tapio Wirkkala, Kaj Franck
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of 6 'Festivo' glass candle holders. Designed by Timo Sarpaneva 1967 and made by Iittala in Finland, 1970s. Great condition. Signed 'TS' underneath. Height: 8,3 - 18,5 cm D...
Glass
Six Festivo Two Ring Candlesticks Designed By Timo Sarpaneva For iittala
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Doraville, GA
Six two ring Festivo candlesticks designed by Timo Sarpaneva for IITTALA, made in Finland. The candlesticks were designed in 1966 and are still produced today. The candlesticks are ...
Glass
20th Century Finnish Set of Twelve Vintage Candle Holders by Timo Sarpaneva
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern set of Twelve Finnish Ljusstakar, candle holders made of hand blown molded glass, designed by Timo Sarpaneva for Festivo - Iittala, in good condition. Th...
Glass
Timo Sarpaneva / Iittala Collection Ice Glass Candlesticks
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A set of four cast ice glass candlesticks two larger matching pair 5" H x 3" Dia. , one 3.25" H x 2.25" Dia. and one 4.75" H x 2.75" Dia. which has a small chip to the inside candle area that can't really be seen . Designed by Timo Sarpaneva and crafted by Iittala Glass...
Glass
Set of Four "BOLERO" Candle Holders By Timo Sarpaneva
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Set of four 1970’s “Bolero” candle holders by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala Findland. Measurements S-5.5” D 1.75” M- 5.5” D, H 2.75” L- 5.5”D, 3.75”H
Blown Glass
Set of Fifteen Festivo Glass Candle Holders by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala, 1960s
By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala
Located in Helsinki, FI
A substantial and visually striking set of fifteen Festivo candleholders by Finnish designer Timo Sarpaneva. The group includes various heights ranging from 8 to 31 cm, creating a sc...
Blown Glass
Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala Finland Four Candlesticks
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Rijssen, NL
Textured clear molded glass. Composed as a column with projecting bands, a flared mouth and a round base. Designed by Sarpaneva for Liitala, Finland. The tallest, four-ring candle...
Glass
Vintage Candlesticks in Glass by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala, 1960s, Set of 3
By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala
Located in KUTNO, PL
Legend has it that the designer, the famous Timo Sarpaneva created it with... himself. One day, he decided to design a wine glass that would hold an entire bottle of this dry beverag...
Glass
Mid-Century Modern Cast Iron Candle Holder Timo Sarpaneva Rosenlew Finland 1960s
By Timo Sarpaneva, Rosenlew and Co. of Finland
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Cast Iron Candle Holder by Timo Sarpaneva for Rosenlew of Finland, 1960s Old original Version from Rosenlew of Finland !
Iron
1970s Arkipelago Glass Icicle Candle Holder Timo Sarpaneva Iittala Finland
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Arkipelago Glass Icicle Single candle holder Timo Sarpaneva Iittala Finland 8.75 tall x 2.25 x 2.25 Part of the Arkipelago line designed b...
Art Glass
Vintage Festivo Candle Sticks by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala
By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Festivo Candle Sticks by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala A vintage set of eight Festivo candle sticks designed by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala in 1966. A total of 8 different heigh...
Art Glass
Timo Sarpaneva, set of 1960's Festivo glass candlesticks, Iittala, Finland
By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Discover the timeless elegance of Timo Sarpaneva’s 1960's Festivo glass candlesticks. Celebrated for their iconic design, these candlesticks are a hallmark of Scandinavian Vintage De...
Glass
Set 4 Timo Sarpaneva Festivo Candlesticks Iittala Finland Scandinavian Modern
By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala
Located in Miami, FL
Set of 4 Scandinavian Modern Finland Iittala Art Glass with bubbles Festivo Candle Holders designed by Timo Sarpaneva, made in the late 1970s. Top Ca...
Art Glass
Pair "Festivo" Iittala Finnish One-Ring Candlesticks Designed by Timo Sarpaneva
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair "Festivo" Iittala candlesticks. Textured clear molded glass composed as a column with a singular projecting band, a flared mouth and a round base. Designed by Timo Sarpaneva for...
Glass
1970s Candle Holders Arkipelago Round Ice Glass Timo Sarpaneva Iittala Finland
By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a 1970s Pair of Sculpturally Modern Candle Holders Arkipelago Round Ice Glass by Timo Sarpaneva Iittala Finland Tall holder11.88 x 2.63 diameter Short holde...
Art Glass
Pair Timo Sarpaneva Festivo Candlesticks for Iittala Finland Scandinavian Modern
By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Scandinavian Modern Finland Iittala Art Glass with bubbles Festivo Candle Holders designed by Timo Sarpaneva, made in the late 1970s. Top...
Art Glass
Full Set of 8 Festivo Candleholders by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Klintehamn, SE
Festivo is a series of glass candlesticks from Iittala, designed by Timo Sarpaneva back in 1966. A total of 8 different heights were made that can be combined according to taste. The...
Glass
Collection of Timo Sarpaneva Littala Finland Festivo Candlesticks
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Ferndale, MI
Collection of 31 vintage " Festivo " candlesticks designed by Timo Sarpaneva produced by the Littala glassworks Finland . Glass textured in ice like shapes . Handcrafted work each...
Glass
Timo Sarpaneva Triangular 'Archipelago' Candleholder for Iittala
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage Scandinavian art glass triangular "Archipelago' candleholder by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala. Designer: Timo Sarpaneva Manufacture...
Art Glass
Set of 15 Festivo glass candleholders by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Klintehamn, SE
Festivo is a series of glass candlesticks from Iittala, designed by Timo Sarpaneva back in 1966. A total of 8 different heights were made that can be combined according to taste. Thi...
Glass
Mid-Century Modern Two-Armed Candlestick by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala
By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala
Located in Doornspijk, NL
This iced glass candlestick indeed seems to be made out of ice. The bubbles and irregularities in the glass are part of the design and ensure a natural authentic look. Once filled wi...
Glass
$1,250 / set
Timo Sarpanveva Set of 4 Candlesticks
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Chicago, IL
1960s Timo Sarpaneva candlesticks. A nice set of 4 in complimentary heights.
Glass
Timo Sarpaneva / Iittala Collection Ice Glass Candlesticks
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A set of four cast ice glass candlesticks two larger matching pair 5" H x 3" Dia. , one 3.25" H x 2.25" Dia. and one 4.75" H x 2.75" Dia. which has a small chip to the inside candle area that can't really be seen . Designed by Timo Sarpaneva and crafted by Iittala Glass...
Glass
Set of Six Timo Sarpaneva Festivo Candlesticks for Iittala
Located in Vienna, AT
Festivo candlesticks by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala. One of the glasses glued see last two pictures. Glass with bubbles.
Art Glass
Collection of Timo Sarpaneva Littala Finland Festivo Candlesticks
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Ferndale, MI
Collection of 31 vintage " Festivo " candlesticks designed by Timo Sarpaneva produced by the Littala glassworks Finland . Glass textured in ice like shapes . Handcrafted work each...
Glass
$2,885 / set
H 11.03 in Dm 10.24 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Silver Candelabras, Enameled Cabochon - Spain
Located in Girona, Girona
Pair of candelabras, sterling silver, three branches, central red enameled cabochon, weight on base. Stamps: Star and illegible, M on base. Star stamp is ...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Pair of American Tiffany Sterling Silver Monkey Candlesticks
Located in Southampton, NY
Pair of American Tiffany sterling silver monkey candlesticks.
$22,463Sale Price / set|24% Off
H 10.5 in W 4.5 in D 4.5 in
1763 Pair of George III Sterling Silver Candlesticks by William Cafe, English
By William Cafe
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing an exceptional pair of George III sterling silver candlesticks, meticulously created in 1763 by the skilled silversmith William Café. These candlesticks stand as a testam...
Sterling Silver
Antique Sterling Silver Candlesticks
By Robert Garrard II 1
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, fine and impressive pair of antique George IV English cast sterling silver candlesticks made by Robert Garrard II; an addition of our ornamental silverware collection ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,325 / set
H 10.5 in W 5.38 in D 4.25 in
Pair of American Edwardian Sterling Silver Candlesticks by Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Edwardian sterling silver candlesticks. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1905. Each: Ovoid, tapering, and fluted shaft with interlaced script monogram; stepped oval foot. Urn ...
Sterling Silver
Full Set of 8 Festivo Candleholders by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Klintehamn, SE
Festivo is a series of glass candlesticks from Iittala, designed by Timo Sarpaneva back in 1966. A total of 8 different heights were made that can be combined according to taste. The...
Glass
Timo Sarpaneva / VASE FINLANDIA(Grey) 3356 / Iittala
By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
The FINLANDIA series, introduced in 1964, was Timo Sarpaneva's masterpiece of the 1960s. While repeatedly exploring and experimenting with glass expression in pursuit of new techniq...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
$4,500 / set
H 4.75 in W 9.25 in D 4.5 in
Four Mid Century Sterling Silver Double Branch Candlesticks by J. Tostrup Norway
By Jacob Tostrup
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This set of four double branch sterling candlesticks were made in the period and style of Mid-Century Modern and are signed by J. Tostrup of Norway. Each candlestick has a black enam...
Sterling Silver
Fine Pair of Mid 20th Century Sterling Silver Candlesticks
Located in Dublin, IE
A fine pair of mid 20th Century sterling silver candlesticks, the elegant tapering baluster stem with concentric rings throughout, supported on circular domed base, Birmingham, 1961,...
Silver
Festivo Candle Stick by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala Finland
By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala
Located in Turku, Finland
Festivo candleholders were designed by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala in 1966. The striking glass objects feature an ice-like, textured design and come in various heights. - Height 18cm...
Art Glass
Sold
H 9.5 in Dm 3.5 in
Timo Sarpaneva Festivo Cut Glass Candlesticks Set of 37 for Iittala Finland 1966
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Chicago, IL
Timo Sarpaneva Festivo Cut Glass Candlesticks for Iittala Finland Collection 1966 set of Thirty-Seven largest: 9½ h × 3½ dia in (24 × 9 cm) smallest: 3¼ h × 2¾ dia in Incised signat...
Cut Glass
Timo Sarpaneva "Festivo" Crystal Candle Holders for Iittala
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in San Diego, CA
A set of three Timo Sarpaneva "Festivo" Crystal Candle Holders for Iittala. The textured glass candlesticks were designed by Sarpaneva in 1966. The set included two of the smallest a...
Glass
Sold
H 11.82 in W 13.78 in D 11.82 in
Set of 5pcs Festivo Candle Sticks by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala Finland
By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala
Located in Turku, Finland
Festivo candleholders were designed by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala in 1966. The striking glass objects feature an ice-like, textured design and come in various heights. This set incl...
Art Glass
Timo Sarpaneva "Festivo" Candle Holders Collection Of 17
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in New York, NY
Amazing collection of 17 Timo Sarpaneva designed for Iittala Finland "Festivo" candleholders, in vintage original condition with minor wear and patina due to age and use. Sizes vari...
Art Glass
3 Bolero Timo Sarpaneva Kandelaars Finland, 1970
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Oirlo, LI
Set of 3 Bolero Timo Sarpaneva Kandelaars Finland, 1970 This is a very nice set of 3 Iittala BOLERO candlesticks Designed by Timo Sarpaneva Vintage Finnish glass Finland 1970s. To...
Art Glass
3 Littala Festivo Candle Holders Designed by Timo Sarpaneva
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Oirlo, LI
3 Littala Festivo Candle Holders Designed by Timo Sarpaneva A beautiful glass object from Scandinavia: signed Iittala festivo candlestick candle holder with 1 ring design by Timo Sa...
Art Glass
Kaija Aarikk & Timo Sarpaneva pair of brass chandeliers
By Timo Sarpaneva, Kaija Aarikka
Located in Valby, 84
Rare and uncommon pair of Kaija Aarikk & Timo Sarpaneva brass chandeliers for candles made in Finland in the 1950’s. This pair of chandeliers will add a warm charming touch to your home. The chandeliers are the perfect detail for any style of interior from the traditional Scandinavian style of interior to a more modern style of interior. Timo Tapani Sarpaneva (31 October 1926 – 6 October 2006) was an influential Finnish designer, sculptor, and educator best known in the art world for innovative work in glass, which often merged attributes of display art objects with utilitarian designations. While glass remained his most commonly addressed medium, he worked with metal, wood, textiles, and porcelain (china). Sarpaneva has entered homes around the world through his industrial design of upscale, artistically conceived items, including cast-iron cookware...
Brass
Set of five "Festivo" candlesticks by Timo Sarpaneva, Finland, 1960s
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Chorzów, PL
A set of five glass candle holders model Festivo designed by Timo Sarpaneva in Finland in the 1960s. "Festivo" was first introduced in 1967 and quickly became a classic of Finnish de...
Glass
Timo Sarpaneva, Set of 19 Festivo Candlesticks
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Klintehamn, SE
Festivo is a series of glass candlesticks from Iittala, designed by Timo Sarpaneva back in 1966. A total of 8 different heights were made that can be combined according to taste. The...
Glass
Full Set of 8 Festivo Candleholders by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Klintehamn, SE
Festivo is a series of glass candlesticks from Iittala, designed by Timo Sarpaneva back in 1966. A total of 8 different heights were made that can be combined according to taste. The...
Glass
Sold
H 12.75 in Dm 3.5 in
20th Century Finnish Festivo Set of Nine Vintage Candlesticks by Timo Sarpaneva
By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A slightly smoked, vintage Mid-Century Modern finnish set of nine Ljusstakar, candlesticks with the original box, made of hand blown molded glass, designed by Timo Sarpaneva and prod...
Glass, Smoked Glass