ART OBJECT "SOLAR BALL (GREEN GREY)" 2000

This is an art piece designed in 1956 and named "SOLAR BALL (AURINKOPALLO)."
It was manufactured from 1960 to 1969.
It was formed using the free-blowing technique, and the inside is adorned with three fine, drawn threads without any defects.
It is one of the works that received the Grand Prix at the 1957 Milan Triennale.
It is a captivating glass artwork where the tension between thin and fine glass, and the floating sensation as it sways when suspended, coexist.
The cut signature is "TS."
*It is in good condition with no noticeable damage. It comes with a fishing line and hanging parts.

TIMO SARPANEVA｜TIMO SARPANEVA｜1926-2006｜FINLAND

Timo Sarpaneva majored in graphic design at the Central School of Arts and Crafts in Helsinki.
After graduating, he won second prize in Riihimaen Lasi's glass design competition in 1949 and was invited to be a glass designer. However,
the negotiations broke down due to the humiliating offer of providing designs free of charge.
While seeking a path as a glass designer, in 1950, he got work for exhibitions, show windows, and graphics for Ahlstrom, the parent company of Iittala.
In the same year, he decided to resign from Ahlstrom after receiving a request for glass design from Holmegaard in Denmark, but
Ahlstrom proposed a path as a glass designer at Iittala, a group company, and he changed his mind,
starting his career as a glass designer at Iittala in 1951.
He received the Grand Prix at the 1954 Milan Triennale for his first refined and highly artistic art piece,
and also received the Grand Prix in 1957 for 'i-line,' a practical mouth-blown glass he introduced in 1956.
Together with his close friend Tapio Wirkkala, who had been active as a designer at Iittala since 1946, he elevated Iittala to a leading brand representing Finland.
At Iittala, he was also active in graphic design, such as posters, brochures, and packaging.
In particular, the logo he designed for 'i-line' later became the brand's logo and was used for a long time as a symbol of Iittala.
He was active in a wide range of fields, including art glass, practical glass, ceramics, graphics, and textiles, and is one of the outstanding designers representing Finnish modern design.