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.
Timo Sarpaneva, Table Lamp, Glass, Finland, 1969
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in High Point, NC
A rare glass table lamp designed by Timo Sarpaneva and produced by Ittala for Lilux, Finland, 1969. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 11” H x 6.5” Diameter Dimensions of Shade (inches): ...
Glass
Mid-century glass and brass table lamp by Timo Sarpaneva, Finland
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Stunning and very unique table lamp model 'Arkipelago' by Finnish glass designer and sculptor Timo Sarpaneva (1926-2006) Solid mold-blown glass base with bubbles and brass elements. ...
Brass
Timo Sarpaneva Table Lamps Model Arkipelago for Ittala, Sweden 1960s
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Paris, IDF
Timo Sarpaneva cast glass table lamps Model Arkipelago for Ittala 1960s. An impressive table lamp in solid cast glass model "Arkipelago" by Timo Sarpaneva, Finland. The base is made...
Brass
Mid-century glass and brass table lamp by Timo Sarpaneva (Free Us wire!)
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Very unique table lamp model 'Arkipelago' by Finnish glass designer and sculptor Timo Sarpaneva (1926-2006) Solid mold-blown glass base with bubbles and brass elements. Periode- ca. ...
Brass
Glass Lamp by Timo Sarpaneva
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Vienna, AT
Molded square column glass base decorated with low relief circles and dimples, fitted with one E27 socket and cream silk lampshade. Designed by Timo Sarpeneva in the 1960s for Lilux,...
Silk, Art Glass
Timo Sarpaneva, Table Lamp, Glass, Finland, 1969
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in High Point, NC
A rare glass table lamp designed by Timo Sarpaneva and produced by Ittala for Lilux, Finland, 1969. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 15.25” H x 4.75” Diameter Dimensions of Shade (inche...
Glass
Timo Sarpaneva Table Lamp "Arkipelago" for Ittala, Sweden 1960s
By Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Timo Sarpaneva Table Lamp "Arkipelago" for Ittala, Sweden 1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century - Glass lamp Measures : Lamp : 11,5x9,5cm H:35cm With lampShade : Ø 12,5cm H:45cm Material...
Rope, Art Glass
Timo Sarpaneva Glass Table Lamp, Finland, 1960s
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Stockholm, SE
Glass and brass table lamp by Timo Sarpaneva, Finland, 1960s.
Brass
Timo Sarpaneva Table Lamp Model Arkipelago for Ittala, Sweden 1960s
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Paris, IDF
Timo Sarpaneva cast glass table lamp Model Arkipelago for Ittala 1960s. An impressive table lamp in solid cast glass model "Arkipelago" by Timo Sarpaneva, Finland. The base is made ...
Brass
$3,900 / set
Timo Sarpaneva Lamps Clear Glass, Finland 1980
By Iittala, Luxus of Sweden, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Bronx, NY
Pair of Timo Sarpaneva lamps clear glass with a bark of a tree texture, for Finnish Iittala retailed by Luxus Sweden, designed in the 1960s, clear glass that h...
Art Glass
Mid-Century Murano Glass and Brass Table Lamp, Barovier, Italy, 1940s
By Carlo Scarpa, Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning table lamp in Murano mouth blown crystal glass and brass. This romantic table lamp was made in the early 40s in Italy by Barovier and its design is attributed to the mastery...
Brass
$1,400 / set
H 15.36 in W 3.55 in D 3.55 in
A Pair of Swedish Modern Table Lamps, Model 8397, Boréns, 1960s
By Boréns Borås
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of Swedish Modern table lamps, model 8397, from manufacture Boréns, ,dating from the 1960s. Each lamp features a rounded brass tube with a darker, brownish section. Good vint...
Brass
Finnish Burlwood Table Lamp
Located in Long Island City, NY
A biomorphic lamp with burlwood base made up of an intricate mosaic of knots and knobs, out of which the push button switch emerges, and onto which a warm light glows. The shade and ...
Burl
Pair of Table Lamps Model B-024, Bergboms, Sweden, 1960s
By Bergboms
Located in Stockholm, SE
Table lamps in brass, model B-024 manufactured by Bergboms, Sweden, 1960s. Designed by Alf Svensson & Yngvar Sandström, produced by Bergbom.
Brass
Pair of table lamps model B-131, Anonymous, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Pair of Swedish table lamps, model B-131, produced by Bergboms during the 1960s. The design combines refined proportions with a balanced use of materials typical of Scandinavian mode...
Brass
Brass and Opaline Glass Table Lamp, Finland 1950s
By Idman Oy, Mauri Almari
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
This beautiful table or bedside lamp was designed and manufactured in Finland in the late 1940s to 1950s. It features a cream colored opaline lampshade and brass hardware. The light...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Table Lamps, Brass, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass table lamps designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1960s. Moderate patina. Wear consistent with age and use. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 18.0"H x 8.5"D Dimensions o...
Brass
Joe Colombo Vademecum Table Lamp Kartell, 1969s
By Joe Colombo, Kartell
Located in Skokie, IL
Joe Colombo Vademecum table lamp Kartell Italy, 1969 Additional information: Materials:plastic, chrome-plated steel Dimensions: 7" W × 3" D × 10" H Condition: Very good. Tested and...
Steel
$4,402 / set
H 25.2 in Dm 11.82 in
Midcentury Glass Table Lamps by Carl Fagerlund, Orrefors, Sweden, 1960s
By Orrefors, Carl Fagerlund
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of cool and luxurious table lamps by Carl Fagerlund, made in beautiful raspberry red and clear glass. Tapering shape with a triangular base. Slightly frosted surface with struct...
Glass
Burl Table Lamp, Finland, 1950s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Table lamp, manufactured in Finland, 1950s. Made from burl. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age and use.
Burl
Pair of Table Lamps Model B-075, Bergboms, Sweden, 1960s
By Bergboms
Located in Stockholm, SE
Table lamps in brass, model B-075 manufactured by Bergboms, Sweden, 1960s. Listed price is for the pair.
Brass
$3,433 / set
H 24.41 in Dm 11.82 in
Midcentury Glass Table Lamps by Carl Fagerlund, Orrefors, Sweden, 1960s
By Orrefors, Carl Fagerlund
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of burgundy red glass table lamps by Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors. Heavy glass bases with a somewhat undulating shape and brass detail at the top. Very elegant with movement in t...
Glass
Timo Sarpaneva Table Lamps Model Arkipelago for Ittala, Sweden 1960s
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Paris, IDF
Timo Sarpaneva cast glass table lamps Model Arkipelago for Ittala 1960s. An impressive table lamp in solid cast glass model "Arkipelago" by Timo Sarpaneva, Finland. The base is made ...
Brass
Timo Sarpaneva Table Lamp Model Arkipelago for Ittala, Sweden 1960s
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Paris, IDF
Timo Sarpaneva cast glass table lamp Model Arkipelago for Ittala 1960s. An impressive table lamp in solid cast glass model "Arkipelago" by Timo Sarpaneva, Finland. The base is made o...
Brass
Sold
H 13 in Dm 5.12 in
Timo Sarpaneva Table Lamps Model Arkipelago for Ittala set of 2 , Sweden 1960s
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Paris, IDF
Timo Sarpaneva cast glass table lamps Model Arkipelago for Ittala 1960s. Good condition price for the pair Electrical functions not tested. A pair of impressive table lamps in glass ...
Brass
Sold
H 20.48 in Dm 4.34 in
Mid-century glass and brass table lamp 'Arkipelago' by Timo Sarpaneva, Finland
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Stunning and very unique table lamp model 'Arkipelago' by Finnish glass designer and sculptor Timo Sarpaneva (1926-2006) Solid mold-blown glass base with bubbles and brass elements. ...
Brass
1970s Stacking Bowls Table Lamp by Timo Sarpaneva for Rosenthal
By Timo Sarpaneva, Rosenthal
Located in Toronto, CA
This unique table light from 1970s Germany features a surprising twist: Separate the 3 glass pieces to create a light and 2 bowls. Or stack and modulate in any number of ways to crea...
Glass
Sold
H 13 in Dm 5.12 in
Timo Sarpaneva Table Lamps Model Arkipelago for Ittala set of 2 , Sweden 1960s
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Paris, IDF
Timo Sarpaneva cast glass table lamps Model Arkipelago for Ittala 1960s. Good condition price for the pair Electrical functions not tested. A pai...
Brass
Pair of Glass Lamps by Timo Sarpaneva
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Dallas, TX
Timo Sarpaneva (Finnish, 1926-2006) Pair of Table Lamps, circa 1970, Iittala for Luxus, Finland/Sweden Mold-blown glass, plastic, linen Retailers foil label to underside.
Glass
Midcentury Table Lamps "Arkipelago" by Timo Sarpaneva, Finland
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Karlstad, SE
A pair of impressive table lamps in glass model "Arkipelago" by Timo Sarpaneva, Finland. The base is made of solid glass with bubbles and reminds of frozen water. Condition: Excel...
Brass
Midcentury Pair of Table Lamps Arkepilago Timo Sarpaneva Finland
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
These pair of "Arkipelago" table lamps was designed by Timo Sarpaneva. Standing tall like the iceberg, these lamps are beautiful to look at. The lamps themselves are heavy. Goo...
Brass
Festivo Timo Sarpaneva Candlesticks
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Collection of 16 glass candlesticks designed for Iittala, retain original labels.
Glass
Rare ceramic lamp by Timo Sarpaneva for Rosenthal
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Dallas, TX
A three piece ceramic and glass table lamp designed by Timo Sarpaneva for Rosenthal Studio Line.