Vintage set of rare 4 glass dessert plates designed by Helena Tynell for the Finnish glassworks Riihimäki during the early 1960s (1961–1962). Part of the Pomona series, these plates are an excellent example of Scandinavian modernism: stylish and optimistic.
Made from turquoise glass with a translucent finish, each plate is 13.5 cm in diameter. The shape is rounded and slightly bulging, giving it a soft, simple form. When stacked, the plates form a repeating shape that emphasizes their contours and how they reflect light, a detail consistent with Tynell’s approach to glass design.
Excellent vintage condition.
Styling & Use
These plates are not only collectible but highly functional. Their vibrant yet cool tone works beautifully in various settings:
- Mid-century modern or Scandinavian interiors, enhancing minimalist tablescapes with a splash of color.
- Brutalist or Bauhaus-inspired dining with clean, geometrical ceramics or raw textures like concrete or linen.Contemporary casual or Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetics, where glass adds lightness and contrast.
- Also perfect for eclectic or "slow living" table rituals: think handcrafted desserts, single fruit servings, or ceremonial snacks.
Why buy vintage glass by Helena Tynell?
Tynell was a renowned designer and sculptor who worked with glass. For over 40 years, she was a designer at the Riihimäki Glass Factory. She became one of the first Finnish designers to gain international recognition. In 1954, Tynell's works were exhibited at the first Finnish design exhibition in New York.
Her decorative pieces and glass sculptures are displayed in the Finnish Glass Museum, as well as in museums in Germany and Belgium, where she also worked. Tynell's works are part of the collections of the Finnish and Austrian presidents' families, the Finnish Parliament, and Turku Castle.
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