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.
Large Footed Glass "Kekkeri" Bowl by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage textured glass Kekkeri bowl by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala. Manufacturer: Iittala Designer: Timo Sarpaneva Origin: Finland Y...
Glass
Arthur Court Lucite Handkerchief Serving Bowl on Rabbit Footed Stand, Signed
By Arthur Court
Located in Kansas City, MO
Large Handkerchief serving bowl designed by Arthur Court. Lucite / Acrylic bowl on a tripod aluminum base of three rabbits holding the bowl in place. W...
Aluminum
$2,916
H 2.76 in Dm 16.15 in
Large Cenedese Venetian Italian Murano Glass Blue Spirali Bowl or Serving Dish
By Cenedese
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Large vintage midcentury Italian, Venetian Murano spirali glass serving bowl or dipping dish designed by Cenedese, circa 1970-1990. Possibly designed by Antonio da Ros (1936-2012). Wonderful translucent clear glass with a light blue spiral...
Murano Glass
Rather Large Vintage Pewter Cabbage Bowl
Located in Chicago, IL
A rather large vintage cast pewter cabbage bowl with a wonderful lettuce texture on the inside as well as the outside, and just waiting for a fabulous gar...
Pewter
$3,266
H 2.37 in Dm 14.18 in
Antonio Da Ros for Cenedese Italian Murano Glass Vibrant Pink Colored Bowl
By Antonio da Ros, Cenedese
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Murano 'Opalino' glass serving or dipping bowl designed by Antonio Da Ros (1936-2012) for Cenedese, circa 1970-1990. Wonderful translucent color of vibrant pink. Simplistic yet elega...
Murano Glass
Vintage Vase "Orkidea" by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala
By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala
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
$425 / item
H 9 in W 6 in D 6 in
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
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
$2,275Sale Price|35% Off
H 3 in Dm 17.75 in
Mid Century Modern Signed Schneider Large Bubble Glass Centerpiece Bowl 1950s
By Charles Schneider
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautiful clear Schneider Art Glass with captured bubbles large and heavy centerpiece bowl. Thousands of bubbles suspended in clear crystal! Etched SCHNEIDER FRANCE on the bottom; ci...
Blown Glass
$3,180 / set
H 5 in Dm 3.5 in
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
$2,917
H 2.37 in Dm 14.18 in
Antonio da Ros for Cenedese Vintage Italian Murano Opaline Glass Serving Bowl
By Antonio da Ros, Cenedese
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Italian Murano glass 'Opalino' serving or dipping bowl by Antonio da Ros for Cenedese, Italy, circa 1970-1990. Wonderful translucent color of smoked grey. Simplistic yet elegant form - almost futuristic. Very fun to dine with this rare piece of Murano glassware...
Murano Glass
Vintage Vase "Orkidea" by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala, 1953
By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala
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
Timo Sarpaneva, "Bird" Vases, 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, 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 6.18" Height x 4.25" Diameter All items ship from High ...
Blown Glass