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.
$120Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
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
$450
H 1.5 in W 9.75 in D 9.75 in
Kay Frank Serving Bowl, Mid-Century Modern, Finland, White Porcelain
By Arabia of Finland
Located in New York, NY
Bowl designed by Kay Frank, designer of Arabia, circa 1957, porcelain. This is a new item, circa 2000. Made in Finland. midcentury design.
Porcelain
$280Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 3 in Dm 2.38 in
Set of 4 1970s Icicle Art Aslak Whiskey Glasses by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of 4 Icicle Art Aslak Whiskey Glasses designed by Tapio Wirkkala for renowned Finnish glass company Iittala. These are small and could also be shot or aperitif glasses. Perfect ...
Glass, Art Glass
$225 / set
H 1.96 in Dm 1.75 in
Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala Set of 6 Blue Shot Glasses, Finland 1950s-1960s
By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage set of 6 shot glasses features organic, rounded form, hand-blown in blue glass. The form is identified as shot glass i-103, part of the i-glass series designed by Timo Sarpan...
Glass, Art Glass
$525 / set
H 4.5 in Dm 3.88 in
Scandinavian Modern Oiva Toikka Tundra Glass Arabia Iittala Finland 1970 19 pcs
By Iittala, Arabia of Finland, Oiva Toikka
Located in Miami, FL
Modern Finn Design by Oiva Toikka from 1970, Tundra glassware for Arabia, Finland. The design is of multiple unique small patterns influenced by the Artic tundra. Textured clear glass collection inspired by the harsh Artic landscape which would influence the designs of many Scandinavian designers and artists. Box vintage condition – marked- LAUFFER – ARABIA GLASS...
Glass
Arabia, Finland, a set of four "Pallas" coffee cups with saucers. 1970s.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Arabia, Finland, a set of four "Pallas" coffee cups with saucers. 1970s. Marked. Perfect condition. Cup: H 5.3 cm x D 8.3 cm including handle.
Porcelain
$225 / set
H 1.96 in Dm 1.75 in
Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala Set of 6 Purple Shot Glasses, Finland 1950s-1960s
By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage set of 6 shot glasses features organic, rounded form, hand-blown in amethyst purple glass. The form is identified as shot glass i-103, part of the i-glass series designed by...
Glass, Art Glass
$500
H 0.79 in W 9.45 in D 9.06 in
Arabia, Finland, Porcelain Tray Decorated with Antique Kitchen Utensils, 1970s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Arabia, Finland, porcelain tray decorated with antique kitchen utensils. 1970s. In excellent condition. Marked. First factory quality. Di...
Porcelain
$300 / set
H 5.5 in Dm 4.25 in
Set of Four "Kekkerit" Goblets by Timo Sarpeneva for Iittala of Finland
By Iittala
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice set of four "Kekkerit" glasses / goblets by Timo Sarpeneva for Iittala of Finland, circa 1960s. The glasses have a clear textured finish and are in very good condition with n...
Crystal
Set of 6 Stuart Crystal “Senator” Pattern Goblets
Located in Worcester, GB
Set of 6 Stuart Crystal “Senator” Pattern Goblets A fine set of six hand-cut lead crystal goblets by Stuart Crystal in the elegant “Senator” pa...
Cut 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 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
$1,314Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 11.42 in Dm 3.15 in
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
$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
$473Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 6.3 in W 3.55 in D 4.73 in
A Scandinavian set of four porcelain spice 1970
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A Scandinavian set of four porcelain spice jars with cork stoppers. Dimensions: Height: 16,13,11 and 9 Diameter: 12,11,9 and 7
Ceramic
$557
H 5.91 in W 6.3 in D 6.11 in
Set of 2 Porcelain Op Art "JOJO" Vase by Wunsiedel Bavaria, Germany, 1970s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Op Art porcelain vase set of 2 Producer: Wunsiedel Bavaria, Germany Decade: 1970s This original vintage Op Ar...
Porcelain
Timo Sarpaneva 6 Suomi Platinum Espresso Coffee Cups, Rosenthal studio, 1980s
By Timo Sarpaneva, Rosenthal
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
Sold
H 1.25 in W 13 in D 10.5 in
Midcentury "Soumi" Pattern Porcelain Service for 8 by Sarpaneva for Rosenthal
By Timo Sarpaneva, Rosenthal
Located in New York, NY
This elegant "Soumi" pattern service for eight was designed by the Finnish designer Timo Sarpaneva for Rosenthal and executed in Germany, circa 1976. Realized in fine white china with minimal decoration, this service is a study in the simplicity of excellent design. It features one coffee pot and warmer; eight dinner plates; eight cups and saucers, eight soup bowls; six assorted platters and three serving bowls. With its monochromatic palate and Minimalist aesthetic, this set is designed to allow the color and texture of the dishes to shine without distraction. It would be a winning addition to any table setting regardless of the style of interior. It is signed "Rosenthal Germany" and is in excellent vintage condition. Germany, circa 1976 Dimensions: Teapot (1) 8" W x 5" D x 7" H Teapot warmer...
Porcelain
Porcelain Bowl by Timo Sarpaneva
By Timo Sarpaneva, Rosenthal
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A beautiful and simple tall walled bowl made of pure white porcelain.
Porcelain
Porcelain Bowl by Timo Sarpaneva
By Timo Sarpaneva, Rosenthal
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A beautiful and simple tall walled bowl made of pure white porcelain.
Porcelain