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 Vintage Vase 'Orkidea' by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala
By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala
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
Iittala Finland Kekkerit Set of 32 Stemware Pieces by Timo Sarpaneva Mid Century
By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala
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 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...
Blown Glass
Timo Sarpaneva, "Bird" Vases, Hand Blown Glass, Finland, 1950s
By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala
Located in High Point, NC
A green and brown hand blown glass pair of vases, designed by Timo Sarpaneva for Ittala.
Blown Glass
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...
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 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
"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
Small Vintage Vase "Orkidea" by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala
By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala
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 Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala
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 Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala
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 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
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.
$9,800
"Kelo" Art Glass Vase
By Venini, Timo Sarpaneva
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
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
Sold|$1,867
H 16.15 in W 13 in D 10.63 in
Massive Salmon Murano "Bullicante" Blown Glass Vase by Barovier, Italy 1950s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Roma, IT
Incredible and huge rostrato and "bullicante" mouth-blown crystal Murano glass vase in a charming salmon color made by Ercole Barovier in Italy during the 1950s. In spectacular condi...
Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass
Paolo Venini Inciso Vase
By Venini
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This is a clean example with pleasing proportions
Art Glass
A.V.E.M. Large Hand Blown Glass with Red and Yellow Murrhines, 1950s
By Murano 5
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Large hand blown vase in Pulegoso glass with yellow and red murrhines by Arte Vetraria Muranese (A.V.E.M.), Murano Italy, 1950s.
Murano Glass
$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
Kantarelli Art Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, 1951
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
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
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
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
$950 / set
H 3.94 in Dm 3.25 in
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
Venini Opalino Large Horizon Milk White Inside Glass Vase
By Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Satin glass vase, designed and manufactured by Venini, features the same shape of the iconic opalino vase with a frosted finish. Indoor use only. ...
Glass
Venini Opalino Large Indigo Milk White Inside Glass Vase
By Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Satin glass vase, designed and manufactured by Venini, features the same shape of the iconic opalino vase with a frosted finish. Indoor use only. ...
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
Glass sculpture "Varjot" by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala
By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Varjot, large glass sculpture from the Finlandia series designed by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala in 1966, perfect condition.
Glass
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
Bird Bottle and Set of I-Line Glasses by Timo Sarpaneva
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Highland, IN
Timo Sarpaneva i-400 "Bird" bottle, and even more uncommon, set of 6 small i-line glasses in blue. Sarpaneva's i-line was awarded the Grand Prix at the Milan Triennale in 1957. It...
Glass
Sold
H 6.5 in Dm 4.73 in
Timo Sarpaneva, "Bird" Vase or Bottle, Hand Blown Blue Glass Finland, circa 1956
By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala
Located in High Point, NC
A hand blown organic vase or bottle, designed by Timo Sarpaneva for Ittala. Bears original label, and is engraved at the bottom. Glass colored ...
Blown Glass
Small Vase Orkidea by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala, 1953
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A small vase orkidea designed by Timo Sarpameva for Iittala in 1953. Marked with company label and incised signature 'timo sarpaneva 3586' on the base. Lit.: modernes glas aus fin...
Art Glass
Art Glass Arkipelago Candlestick by Sarpaneva for Iittala
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in New York, NY
Rare two-arm Arkipelago candelabra designed by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala. Unusual and hard to find form, great original condition free of damage or repairs.
Art Glass