Timo Sarpaneva (1926-2006) was a pivotal figure in Finnish design, renowned for his innovative approach to glass and textile design that positioned him at the forefront of the 20th-century Scandinavian design movement. His work, characterized by a deep appreciation for material and form, has made a lasting impact on design aesthetics and functionality. Among his most celebrated works are the iconic "i-Glass" series, which won him the Grand Prix at the Milan Triennale in 1954, and his textiles that showcase his ability to blend traditional Finnish motifs with contemporary design principles. Sarpaneva's contributions to design extend beyond his creations, influencing generations of designers with his visionary approach to craftsmanship and aesthetics.

Iittala

Clear and coloured glass.
Engraved and dated to the reverse: 'Timo Sarpaneva 17/1987'.

Glass

Vase

Bubble-cased glass.
Two signed and numbered to the base:
Black: 'Timo Sarpaneva Iittala 39/1985'
Clear: 'Timo Sarpaneva Iittala 1985 C 325'


Measurements:
Black: h. 15,5cm dia. 13,5cm
Clear: h. 16cm dia. 14cm
Black/opal: h. 15,5cm dia. 13,5cm

Set of Three 'Claritas' Vases

Massive clear and black colored glass with internal air bubbles. 
Signed Timo Sarpaneva iittala 1984 C295.

'Claritas' Vase

An Opal and Bubble-cased clear Glass Claritas Sculpture, signed, Timo Sarpaneva Iittala 1984 C 2841.

Clear glass blown in wooden mould.
Engraved with artist name, manufacturer and date.

'Ahtojää' (Pack Ice) Sculpture

History:
Timo Sarpaneva was the architect of the EXPO 67 exhibition in Montreal. He designed the artwork 'Ahtojää' (Pack ice) for the exhibition. The large work (9 m x 4.5 m) was made of hundreds of glass elements blown into wooden moulds which were then attached to a steel base. Dozens of wooden moulds were made. One wooden mould could be used for an average of 8 sculptures, after which it was burnt out. Each glass element is a unique glass sculpture and additional glass parts were made in case of possible damages.
The "Ahtojää" glass sculptures are different from the other works in the "Finlandia" series. They are made with the same technique, with a slight difference in design: the lower part of the "Ahtojää" sculptures are square-shaped. When placed side by side, the artwork becomes an opaque surface in relief.

The model designed in 1957 and exhibited at the Milan Triennale 1960. 
Clear and coloured glass in the incalmo technique. 
Signed Timo Sarpaneva ITTALA-62 34/77 to base.

'Sleeping Bird' Vase

Hand blown glass into wooden mould. 
Inscribed 'Timo Sarpaneva 3356 to base.

'Finlandia' Vase, Model no. 3356

Faceted and polished glass with steam-blown cavity.
Engraved to base 'TIMO SARPANEVA 3566'
Literature:
Kaj Kalin, 'Sarpaneva', 1986, pp. 68‑69.

Large 'Orchid' Vase, Model no. 3566

Clear blown glass with internal decoration of two large air bubbles. Signed Timo Sarpaneva 
Iittala 1984 C1400.

Claritas Vase

Clear glass with air bubbles. Signed Timo Sarpaneva Iittala 1985 C 290.

Clear glass with air bubbles. Art object ”Devils pearl” model 3149. Signed Timo Sarpaneva - Iittala

”Devils Pearl” Bowl

Villayhtymä Oy

Handwoven wool. From the series "Gulf of Bothnia".
Label: Pohjanlahti Rug, Design Timo Sarpaneva, Betzy Wegelius. Techn. Made by Villayhtymä Oy - Uniwool Ltd, made in Finland. Type number I 13

Litt: Jämför Sarpaneva, Kaj Kalin, Otava Publishing Company Keuruu

Carpets

Carpet "Dömaskär"

Clear glass with air bubbles, underlay blue and white glass.
Left to right 
Signed TIMO SARPANEVA IITTALA 1985 C 175. 
height.28cm diameter 16cm
TIMO SARPANEVA IITTALA 1984 C 650 
height.25cm diameter 15cm

'Claritas' Vases

Handwoven wool pile. A Karhunkäpälä (Bear Paw) Pohjanlahti rug.

The "Bear Paw" Carpet

Turned mould-blown glass, Model 3041. Decorative blue. 
Signed Timo Sarpaneva, 24/1987, 65/1985, 33/1987.
Height 14.5/24.5/31 cm.

Set of Three Vases

Hammered and cased glass base. Polished edge and air bubble with opening. 
Signed Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala. Model 3867.

A Glass Sculpture

'Arkipelago' Candlesticks

Clear lead crystal glass, steam blown, cut and surface polished. Designed 1953. The interior is created by steam blowing the incandescent glass, letting the steam expand the cavity to the desired size.

9550 - h.24 cm/9.4" d.8 cm/3.1" signed TIMO SARPANEVA - IITTALA 
9551 - h.27cm/10,6" d.8cm/3,1"signed TIMO SARPANEVA - IITTALA - 55

Literature; Kaisa Koivisto and Pekka Korvenmaa, eds., Glass from Finland in the Bischofberger Collection, exh. cat., Le Stanze del Vetro and Fondazione Giorgio Cini, Venice, 2015, p. 329, no. 275, p. 409, fig. 275

Awarded a Gand Prix at the X Milan Triennale, in 1954. Also declared 'The most significant object of the year' by House Beautiful, the 'Orkidea' was exhibited at the XI Milan Triennale.

Orchid Vases

"Devils Fist"

Mold-blown and cast glass. Model 3374. Artist and manufacturer's signature.

h.17cm/6,6" dia.23,5cm/9,2" 
h.24,5cm/9,6" dia.30cm/11,8"