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 Vintage Vase 'Orkidea' by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Vintage Vase 'Orkidea' by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala A large vintage 'Orkidea' (Orchid) vase designed by Timo Sarpameva for Iittala in 1953. Marked with incised signature 'TIM...
Art Glass
Large Venini Vase 'Kukinto', Designed by Timo Sarpaneva in 1991
By Timo Sarpaneva, Venini
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Venini Vase 'Kukinto', Designed by Timo Sarpaneva in 1991 A monumental vase from the Kukinto series. Designed in 1991 by Timo Sarpaneva and produced 1992 by Venini, Murano. In...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Mid-Century Finnish Tsaikka Tea Glass by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Finnish Tsaikka Tea Glass by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1950 to 1959 Official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs, designer ...
Metal
Iittala Finland Kekkerit Set of 32 Stemware Pieces by Timo Sarpaneva Mid Century
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Expertly crafted by renowned designer Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala Finland, this set of 32 stemware pieces includes water, wine, and cordial that combine form and function in a seamles...
Glass
Five Scandinavian Midcentury Blown Ice Glass Vases by Timo Sarpaneva Iittala
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
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...
Blown Glass
Set of 12 Timo Sarpaneva for iittala Finland "Kalinka" 13.5oz HighBall Glasses
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in St. Louis, MO
Timo Tapani Sarpaneva (1926 – 2006) set of 12 new old stock "Kalinka" highball / beer glasses for iittala, Finland. Designed in the 1970s, feature a distinctive, thick, indented bas...
Glass
Timo Sarpaneva, "Bird" Vases, Hand Blown Glass, Finland, 1950s
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in High Point, NC
A green and brown hand blown glass pair of vases, designed by Timo Sarpaneva for Ittala.
Blown Glass
Set of 12 Timo Sarpaneva for iittala Finland "Kalinka" 10oz Rocks Bar Glasses
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in St. Louis, MO
Timo Tapani Sarpaneva (1926 – 2006) set of 12 new old stock "Kalinka" rocks / bar glasses for iittala, Finland. Designed in the 1970s, feature a distinctive, thick, indented base (or...
Glass
Midcentury Timo Sarpaneva Set of 3 Bird Bottles / Vases Iittala
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
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...
Glass
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...
Glass
Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala Rare Service for Six Stemware
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A very glamorous service for Six drink set by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala. It's very rare to find a hole set together like this. Most of them have Iittala tags or marked TS. We may h...
Crystal
Timo Sarpaneva Kukinto Vase
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Kukinto translates to the English botany. A vibrant fasce floral form hand blown at Venini. This is the largest example, signed and dated 1994.
Glass
Vintage Vase "Orkidea" by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A large vintage "Orkidea" (Orchid) vase designed by Timo Sarpameva for Iittala in 1953. Marked with incised signature 'TIMO SARPANEVA 236 / 1990' on the base. An authentic piece of F...
Art Glass
Teapot Timo Sarpaneva Rosenthal Suomi
By Timo Sarpaneva, Rosenthal
Located in MAASTRICHT, LI
Product description: This teapot, desinged by the renowned Timo Sarpaneva in 1974 shows exactly what functional design is all about. The whole Suomi series, inspired in form by smoo...
Porcelain
"Orchidea" Sculpture by Timo Sarpaneva for Littala
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Soquel, CA
"Orchidea" vase by Timo Sarpaneva for Littala Timo Sarpaneva - Crystal Art-Object "Orchidea" (Orchid), Model 3568 - Littala, Finland 1957 Clear lead crystal glass, steam blown interi...
Art Glass
Large Footed Glass "Kekkeri" Bowl by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala
By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage textured glass Kekkeri bowl by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala. Manufacturer: Iittala Designer: Timo Sarpaneva Origin: Finland Y...
Glass
Small Vintage Vase "Orkidea" by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Small Vintage vase "Orkidea" by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala A small vintage "Orkidea" (Orchid) vase designed by Timo Sarpameva for Iittala in 1953....
Art Glass
Timo Sarpaneva 'Finlandia' Mould Blown Glass Vase, Finland 1960s
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Milan, IT
Timo Sarpaneva 'Finlandia' Mould Blown Glass vase, Fully signed Timo Sarpaneva 3375 Finland 1960s.
Glass
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...
Blown Glass
Glass “Devil’s Cradle” Bowl by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful “Devil’s Cradle” bowl by Timo Sarpaneva, made in thick glass quality in an organic, rounded form. Two holes close to the edge. Frosted surface.
Glass
Vintage Vase "Orkidea" by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala, 1953
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A vintage "Orkidea" (Orchid) vase designed by Timo Sarpameva for Iittala in 1953. Marked with incised signature 'timo sarpaneva 3586' on the base. An authentic piece of Finnish glass...
Art Glass
Four Iittala Festivo Candlesticks, Design Timo Sarpaneva, Finland, 1980s
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in København, Copenhagen
Four Iittala Festivo candlesticks, design: Timo Sarpaneva, Finland, 1980s. Measures: 12.5 to 18 cm. In perfect condition. Unstamped.
1970s Iittala Set of 3 Senator Goblet Glasses Finland Scandinavian Modern
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a set of 3 stem wine beer goblet glasses "Senaattori Senator" designed by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala. Finland circa the 1970s. Dimensions: 3 diameter x 4.8...
Art Glass
$9,800
"Kelo" Art Glass Vase
By Timo Sarpaneva, Venini
Located in New York, NY
"Kelo" Italian art glass vase by Timo Sarpaneva for Venini & Co. Glass, clear, black, white and red. Marked: Venini 90 Sarpaneva (engraved).
Art Glass
Two Timo Sarpaneva Scandinavian Modern Large Stainless Steel Chargers Platters
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Hard to find set of two stainless steel platters designed by Timo Sarpaneva and made in Finland by OPA Ltd. Designed in 1970, the large platter is model TS-300-62 (62 cm), and the sm...
Stainless Steel
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.
Glass
Faceted Crystal "Orchid" Bud Vase by Timo Sarpaneva for littala, Finland
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Petite, Mid-Century Modern, faceted crystal "Orchid" bud vase by Timo Sarpaneva for littala, Finland.
Crystal
Timo Sarpaneva Glass Vases by Iittala in Finland
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare set of three glass vases / bird bottles / sculpture designed by Timo Sarpaneva. Produced by Iittala in Finland. Signed ‘T Sarpaneva 2509’.
Glass
Paolo Venini Inciso Vase
By Venini
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This is a clean example with pleasing proportions
Art Glass
Pair of American Tiffany Sterling Silver Monkey Candlesticks
Located in Southampton, NY
Pair of American Tiffany sterling silver monkey candlesticks.
$2,893 / 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
$2,109Sale Price|30% Off
H 11.03 in Dm 5.91 in
Round Venini Vase Murano Glass 1985 Multi-Color Italian Design
By Venini
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Round Venini vase Murano glass 1985 multi-color Italian design.
Murano Glass
Pair of Sterling Silver Candlesticks
By James Dixon & Sons
Located in London, GB
A Pair of Sterling Silver Candlesticks in the arts and crafts style, hallmarked in the city of Sheffield in 1905/06 by James Dixon...
Silver
Kantarelli Art Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, 1951
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Kantarelli Art glass vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, 1951 A large vintage 'Kantarelli' (chantertelle) vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Glassworks in 1951. Mold blown ...
Art Glass
$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
Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala, Organically Shaped Finlandia Vase in Art Glass
Located in København, Copenhagen
Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala. Organically shaped Finlandia vase in mouth-blown art glass. Finnish design, 1960s. Measures: 20 x 17 cm. In excellent condition. Signed.
Art Glass
Vintage Art Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1967
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Art glass vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1967 A large vintage art glass vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Glassworks in ...
Art Glass
$300 / set
H 2.25 in Dm 1.75 in
Set of Eight "Kekkerit" Shot Glasses by Timo Sarpeneva for Iittala of Finland
By Iittala
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice set of eight "Kekkerit" shot glasses by Timo Sarpeneva for Iittala of Finland, circa 1960s. The glasses have a clear textured finish and are in very good condition with no cr...
Crystal
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
Timo Sarpaneva / VASE FINLANDIA(Grey) 3356 / Iittala
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
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
A mid century modern set of four water goblets by LASIA, Finland 1960s
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in View Park, CA
A mid century modern set of four glass water goblets designed by Timo Sarpaneva for LASIA, Finland 1960s. These glasses have a special corrugated pattern akin to almost tree bark, bu...
Glass
A mid century modern set of four champagne saucers by LASIA, Finland 1960s
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in View Park, CA
A mid century modern set of four champagne saucer glasses designed by Timo Sarpaneva for LASIA, Finland 1960s. These glasses have a special corrugated pattern akin to almost tree bar...
Glass
A set of four red wine glasses by LASIA, Finland mid 20th century
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in View Park, CA
A mid century modern set of four red wine glasses designed by Timo Sarpaneva for LASIA, Finland 1960s. These glasses have a special corrugated pattern akin to almost tree bark, but i...
Glass
A set of four white wine glasses by LASIA, Finland mid 20th century
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in View Park, CA
A mid century modern set of four white wine glasses designed by Timo Sarpaneva for LASIA, Finland 1960s. These glasses have a special corrugated pattern akin to almost tree bark, but...
Glass
Set of Four "Kekkerit" Drinking Glasses by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Kekkerit Drinking Glass Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala Finland, 1970's "a simple way to bring some style to your everyday drink"
Glass
Timo Sarpaneva 6 Suomi Platinum Espresso Coffee Cups, Rosenthal studio, 1980s
By Rosenthal, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Vienna, AT
A postmodern “Suomi” espresso mocha coffee set, from the late 1980s / early 1990s. Designed by Finnish designer Timo Sarpaneva and produced by Rosenthal Studio Line, Germany. Made of...
Platinum
Scultura in vetro "Varjot" di Timo Sarpaneva per Iittala
By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Varjot, grande scultura in vetro della serie Finlandia disegnata da Timo Sarpaneva per Iittala nel 1966, perfette condizioni.
Glass
Timo Sarpaneva Scandinavian Modern Stainless Steel Ice Bucket for OPA Finland
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Beautiful and stylish double walled polished stainless steel ice bucket designed by Timo Sarpaneva and made in Finland by OPA Ltd. Designed in 1970, this ice bucket has a minimalist ...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 7.09 in Dm 9.06 in
Red enamel cassrole by Timo Sarpaneva. Made in Finland by Rosenlew ca 1960-70s
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Hägersten, SE
Cassrole designed by Timo Sarpaneva. Made in Finland by Rosenlew ca 1960-70s. Made from cast iron with red and white opaque enamel. Original handle in sculpted teak. Total volume ins...
Enamel, Iron
Sold
H 19.25 in W 14 in D 13.5 in
Timo Sarpeneva Murano Glass Large Kukinto Handkerchief Vase Venini Signed Dated
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Ann Arbor, MI
Large Size Timo Sarpeneva for Venini Kukinto vase. Signed and dated 1995 on the bottom. Also retains its original Venini label.
Blown Glass
C.1970’s, Set of 18 Iittala Senaattori, Wine and Liqueur Glasses
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Los Angeles, CA
C.1970’s set of 18 Iittala Senaattori, wine and Liqueur glasses, by Timo Sarpaneva, Scandinavian design, vintage glass. Finnish vintage glass...
Blown Glass
Sold
H 10.24 in Dm 5.32 in
Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala, 'Nardus' Clear Glass Vase, 1968, Beautiful Example
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in London, GB
Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala, 1968 Large ‘Nardus’ Vase, model 2744, for Iittala Clear textured mould-blown glass Excellent condition Dimensions approx.: diameter 13.5 cm; heigh...
Blown Glass