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Timo Sarpaneva Bottles

Finnish, 1926-2006

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.

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Creator: Timo Sarpaneva
Timo Sarpaneva, blue Bird Bottle, Ittala, 1950s
Timo Sarpaneva, blue Bird Bottle, Ittala, 1950s

Timo Sarpaneva, blue Bird Bottle, Ittala, 1950s

By Timo Sarpaneva, Ittala

Located in Uppsala, SE

The famous bird bottle by Finnish design icon Timo Sarpaneva for Ittala. The model was designed in 1956. This example is in the very desirable blue colour. Very good vintage conditi...

Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Timo Sarpaneva Bottles

Materials

Glass

Signed Blue Timo Sarpaneva Pullo Bird Bottle Glass Vase, Iittala, Finland, 1950s
Signed Blue Timo Sarpaneva Pullo Bird Bottle Glass Vase, Iittala, Finland, 1950s

Signed Blue Timo Sarpaneva Pullo Bird Bottle Glass Vase, Iittala, Finland, 1950s

By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala

Located in Vienna, AT

A beautiful art glass bottle vase, model „Pullo“ in blue from the 1950s. Designed by Timo Sarpaneva, executed by Iittala Finland. In good condition with marginal wear.  

Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Timo Sarpaneva Bottles

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass

Midcentury Timo Sarpaneva Set of 3 Bird Bottles / Vases Iittala
Midcentury Timo Sarpaneva Set of 3 Bird Bottles / Vases Iittala

Midcentury Timo Sarpaneva Set of 3 Bird Bottles / Vases Iittala

By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala

Located in Hillringsberg, SE

Wonderful sculptured bottled handmade in colored glass. This set in three different colors. The bottles were produced by Iittala in 1956-1962 and designed by Timo Sarpaneva. Fu...

Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Timo Sarpaneva Bottles

Materials

Glass

Midcentury Collection of 3 Bird Carafes Iittala Timo Sarpaneva Finland, 1950s
Midcentury Collection of 3 Bird Carafes Iittala Timo Sarpaneva Finland, 1950s

Midcentury Collection of 3 Bird Carafes Iittala Timo Sarpaneva Finland, 1950s

By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala

Located in Hillringsberg, SE

Nicely handcrafted art carafes produced by Iittala in 1956-1962 and designed by Timo Sarpaneva. Wonderful worked with a nice deep red and blue color with one smaller in grey / sand c...

Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Timo Sarpaneva Bottles

Materials

Glass

I-401 Purple Glass Bird Bottel/Vase by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala, Finland 1956
I-401 Purple Glass Bird Bottel/Vase by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala, Finland 1956

I-401 Purple Glass Bird Bottel/Vase by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala, Finland 1956

By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva

Located in Steenwijk, NL

This purple glass 'Bird' bottle or vase was designed by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala in Finland in 1956. It was in production from 1957 to 1966 and was available in various colors. It ...

Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Timo Sarpaneva Bottles

Materials

Glass

Set of Five Colourful Timo Sarpaneva Bird Bottles for Iittala 1950s
Set of Five Colourful Timo Sarpaneva Bird Bottles for Iittala 1950s

Set of Five Colourful Timo Sarpaneva Bird Bottles for Iittala 1950s

By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala

Located in Helsinki, FI

Timo Sarpaneva was internationally acclaimed and one of Finland`s leading artists and designers. He was especially known for his art glass objects, although he used a number of other materials in his designs, including metal, wood, porcelain and different textiles. Sarpaneva started designing for Iittala in the 1950s. His i-series is known worldwide. Also the Iittala Logo is his design. Timo Sarpaneva was awarded an enormous number of awards and medals for his works and designs, both nationally and internationally. These so called bird bottles...

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Timo Sarpaneva Bottles

Materials

Blown Glass

Set of Three Blue, Green and Violet Bird bottles, Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala, 1950s
Set of Three Blue, Green and Violet Bird bottles, Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala, 1950s

Set of Three Blue, Green and Violet Bird bottles, Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala, 1950s

By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva

Located in Helsinki, FI

Timo Sarpaneva was internationally acclaimed and one of Finland`s leading artists and designers. He was especially known for his art glass objects made from blown glass. He did however use a number of other materials in his designs, including metal, wood, porcelain and different textiles. Sarpaneva started designing for Iittala in the 1950s. His i-series is known worldwide. Also the Iittala Logo is his design. Timo Sarpaneva was awarded an enormous number of awards and medals for his works and designs, both nationally and internationally. These so called bird bottles...

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Timo Sarpaneva Bottles

Materials

Blown Glass

Signed Purple Timo Sarpaneva Pullo Bird Bottle Glass Vase, Iittala, Finland
Signed Purple Timo Sarpaneva Pullo Bird Bottle Glass Vase, Iittala, Finland

Signed Purple Timo Sarpaneva Pullo Bird Bottle Glass Vase, Iittala, Finland

By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala

Located in Vienna, AT

A beautiful art glass bottle vase or decanter, model „Pullo“ in violet from the 1950s. Designed by Timo Sarpaneva, executed by Iittala Finland. Fully signed on the bottom. In very go...

Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Timo Sarpaneva Bottles

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass

Model 'I-400' Straight Bird Bottle by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala, Finland, 1956
Model 'I-400' Straight Bird Bottle by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala, Finland, 1956

Model 'I-400' Straight Bird Bottle by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala, Finland, 1956

By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva

Located in Steenwijk, NL

A design by Timo Sarpaneva from 1956. It was in production from 1957-1966. This specific bottle is engraved "T Sarpaneva 2500". This deep blue version is a more rare color to find an...

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Timo Sarpaneva Bottles

Materials

Blown Glass

Timo Sarpaneva Bottle / Vase Model Pullo / Bird Vase by Iittala in Finland
Timo Sarpaneva Bottle / Vase Model Pullo / Bird Vase by Iittala in Finland

Timo Sarpaneva Bottle / Vase Model Pullo / Bird Vase by Iittala in Finland

By Timo Sarpaneva

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Glass bottle / vase model Pullo / Bird vase designed by Timo Sarpaneva. Produced by Iittala in Finland.

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Timo Sarpaneva Bottles

Materials

Glass

Timo Sarpaneva Bottle / Vase Model Pullo / Bird Vase by Iittala in Finland
Timo Sarpaneva Bottle / Vase Model Pullo / Bird Vase by Iittala in Finland

Timo Sarpaneva Bottle / Vase Model Pullo / Bird Vase by Iittala in Finland

By Timo Sarpaneva

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Glass bottle / vase model Pullo / Bird vase designed by Timo Sarpaneva. Produced by Iittala in Finland.

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Timo Sarpaneva Bottles

Materials

Glass

Timo Sarpaneva Glass Bottle / Vase Model Pullo / Bird by Iittala in Finland
Timo Sarpaneva Glass Bottle / Vase Model Pullo / Bird by Iittala in Finland

Timo Sarpaneva Glass Bottle / Vase Model Pullo / Bird by Iittala in Finland

By Timo Sarpaneva

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Glass bottle / vase model Pullo / Bird vase designed by Timo Sarpaneva. Produced by Iittala in Finland.

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Timo Sarpaneva Bottles

Materials

Glass

Timo Sarpaneva Bottle / Vase Model Pullo / Bird Vase by Iittala in Finland
Timo Sarpaneva Bottle / Vase Model Pullo / Bird Vase by Iittala in Finland

Timo Sarpaneva Bottle / Vase Model Pullo / Bird Vase by Iittala in Finland

By Timo Sarpaneva

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Glass bottle / vase model Pullo / Bird vase designed by Timo Sarpaneva. Produced by Iittala in Finland.

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Timo Sarpaneva Bottles

Materials

Glass

Timo Sarpaneva Bottle / Vase Model Pullo Produced by Iittala in Finland
Timo Sarpaneva Bottle / Vase Model Pullo Produced by Iittala in Finland

Timo Sarpaneva Bottle / Vase Model Pullo Produced by Iittala in Finland

By Timo Sarpaneva

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Glass bottle / vase model Pullo designed by Timo Sarpaneva. Produced by Iittala in Finland.

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Timo Sarpaneva Bottles

Materials

Glass

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Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP

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By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala

Located in St. Louis, MO

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Category

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Materials

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Five Scandinavian Midcentury Blown Ice Glass Vases by Timo Sarpaneva Iittala

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By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala

Located in New York, NY

A collection of five elegant 'Ice Glass' vases by Finnish Artist, Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala. Dimensions: 1) H 9 x 6 x 6; 2) H 6 x 4 x 4; 3) H 6 x 4.5 x 4.5; 4) Cylinder H...

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Located in Berghuelen, DE

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Materials

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Monumental Venini Modernist Vase by Timo Sarpaneva

Monumental Venini Modernist Vase by Timo Sarpaneva

By Timo Sarpaneva

Located in Litchfield, CT

Circa 1990s, designed by Timo Sarpaneva of Helsinki, Finland, for the Venini Glassworks Venice. The "Kukinto" vase is a masterwork of Italian glassmaking, perfect for any decor. The...

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1990s Timo Sarpaneva Bottles

Materials

Art Glass

Timo Sarpaneva, set of 4 champagne glasses "Archipelago" for Iittala
Timo Sarpaneva, set of 4 champagne glasses "Archipelago" for Iittala

Timo Sarpaneva, set of 4 champagne glasses "Archipelago" for Iittala

By Timo Sarpaneva

Located in Klintehamn, SE

Set of 4 champagne glasses from Timo Sarpaneva´s series "Arkipelago" made by Italy. The series was produced from 1980 until 1993.

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Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

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Timo Sarpaneva  Rare, Glass Vase 'Devil's Pearl" 1955 for Iittala, Signed
Timo Sarpaneva  Rare, Glass Vase 'Devil's Pearl" 1955 for Iittala, Signed

Timo Sarpaneva Rare, Glass Vase 'Devil's Pearl" 1955 for Iittala, Signed

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Previously Available Items
Timo Sarpaneva "Bird" Vase or Bottle for Iittala, Finland
Timo Sarpaneva "Bird" Vase or Bottle for Iittala, Finland

Timo Sarpaneva "Bird" Vase or Bottle for Iittala, Finland

By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva

Located in San Diego, CA

Bird bottle by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala. Hand blown gray glass. Finland. Signed and dated 1957.

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Timo Sarpaneva Bottles

Materials

Blown Glass

"Tuuli" Glass Bottle by Timo Sarpaneva for Venini
"Tuuli" Glass Bottle by Timo Sarpaneva for Venini

"Tuuli" Glass Bottle by Timo Sarpaneva for Venini

By Venini, Timo Sarpaneva

Located in Milan, IT

Tuuli decanter, bottle by Timo Sarpaneva for Venini. Signed Venini, 1990, Sarpaneva.

Category

1990s Italian Timo Sarpaneva Bottles

Materials

Murano Glass

Timo Sarpaneva bottles for sale on 1stDibs.

Timo Sarpaneva bottles are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of glass and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Timo Sarpaneva bottles, although blue editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original bottles by Timo Sarpaneva were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in finland during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider bottles by and Iittala. Prices for Timo Sarpaneva bottles can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $464 and can go as high as $2,188, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,002.