Vintage vase and artwork from iconic Finlandia glass series, 1960s. Created by the Finnish designer Timo Sarpaneva. Signed by the artist: Timo Sarpaneva 3358.
For this series, Sarpaneva developed his own unique technique. Each piece was cast by hand in wooden molds made from split logs, which were burned by the molten glass with each casting. This process made every piece one-of-a-kind.
Iittala Glassworks. Diameter: 15.5 cm. Height: 10 cm. Catalog number: 3358.
Condition
Good vintage condition. One small, partially formed chip that hasn’t broken off. During the hand-polishing of the upper rim of a vase of this shape, small technical chips may form just below the edge, these are not signs of use.
What is Finlandia art glass?
This is one of Sarpaneva's most famous glass series.
At the 2018 exhibition of the artist’s legacy at the Design Museum in Helsinki, the Finlandia vases and sculptures formed the most significant composition of all his works. I saw it with my own eyes.
Sarpaneva worked as a designer at Iittala, the flagship Finnish glassworks. He was also famous as a sculptor and industrial designer.
The designer created numerous series of art glass and crystal pieces that became global classics.
In 1956 and 1957, he was awarded the Grand Prix at the Milan Triennale, along with many other prestigious international design awards. He was honored with Finland’s highest decoration, the Pro Finlandia Medal, and held positions as a professor and honorary professor at the Royal College of Art in London and Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture in Helsinki.
Art glass remained the designer’s favorite material. Here’s what Sarpaneva told The New York Times in 1994: “Glass is always very mysterious. It’s constantly changing. And that gives it a sense of magic.”
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