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Established in 2006
Item No. ：SARP507
Designer：Timo Sarpaneva
Maker：Iittala
Size ：H:64mm φ:76mm 210ml
Timo Sarpaneva was constantly engaged in exploring and experimenting with new possibilities in glass, always in search of new techniques. In 1963, this led him to develop into finished works a surface expression inspired by a charred wooden mold that had emerged as a by-product of another experiment.
That same year, he created unique pieces using combinations of such charred wooden molds, and in 1964 he went on to introduce the FINLANDIA series, one of his best-known works.
The irregular, textured surface produced by the direct transfer of the charred mold onto the glass went on to become a major trend that continued until the mid-1970s.
This example was designed in 1965 as one of the earliest products to employ the same expression, and was produced from 1969 to 1975.
For production, the original charred wooden molds were most likely remade in graphite or a similar material, and at least three different molds are known to have been used.
The 11th image shows a comparative view, with A, B, and C arranged from left to right.
In good condition with no noticeable damage.
Timo Sarpaneva was one of the leading figures of modern Finnish design. Trained as a graphic designer at the Institute of Industrial Arts in Helsinki, he began his career in 1949 after winning second prize in a glass design competition organized by Riihimäen Lasi. Although invited to join the company, negotiations collapsed when he was asked to work without compensation.
While seeking a path as a glass designer, Sarpaneva worked for A. Ahlström in 1950, producing exhibition displays, shop windows, and graphic material. That same year, he received an offer from the Danish glassworks Holmegaard and considered leaving. Instead, he was encouraged by Ahlström to pursue glass design within its subsidiary Iittala, where he began his career as a glass designer in 1951.
His early artistic glass objects quickly gained international recognition, earning the Grand Prix at the Milan Triennale in 1954. He received the award again in 1957 for i-line, a series of mouth-blown utilitarian glassware introduced in 1956. Alongside his close contemporary Tapio Wirkkala, Sarpaneva played a central role in establishing Iittala as one of Finland’s most significant design brands.
At Iittala, Sarpaneva was also active as a graphic designer, creating posters, catalogues, and packaging. The distinctive i mark he designed for the i-line series later evolved into the enduring symbol of the brand.
Working in close collaboration with glassblowers and technicians, Sarpaneva continuously explored new techniques and forms of expression. Through extensive experimentation, he developed the Finlandia series in 1963, inspired by the charred surface of wooden molds. This spirit of innovation extended into textiles, culminating in Ambiente, a pioneering printing technique developed with the Tampella mills, in which fabric was treated as a surface for direct, painterly expression—what he described as “machine painting.”
Beyond Iittala and Tampella, Sarpaneva’s work spanned a wide range of materials and industries, including art glass for Venini, porcelain for Rosenthal, cast iron for Rosenlew, stainless steel for Opa, as well as rugs and graphic design.
He received numerous international awards, including the Lunning Prize in 1956, the International Design Award in the United States in 1963, the Pro Finlandia medal in 1967, and the honorary title of Professor in 1977, among many others.
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This is a vintage / pre-owned item. We take great care in our sourcing and select only pieces in good condition.
Any notable damage or condition issues, such as visible chips, cracks, stains, or repairs, are described in the listing. However, minor signs of age and use, as well as small imperfections, may not be noted individually. Please also note that these items were made in a period when manufacturing standards were not as precise as they are today.
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