Timo Sarpaneva vase

This glass bottle or vase, known as the “Pullo” or “Bird Vase” was designed by Timo Sarpaneva and produced by Iittala in Finland in 1956. The vase is crafted from hand-blown glass and exemplifies the organic formal language and material experimentation that defined Scandinavian mid-century design.

The body of the vase is oviform with a gently tapering neck that culminates in a narrow, asymmetrically pinched opening, subtly reminiscent of a bird’s beak. The silhouette is soft and continuous, with no sharp transitions or angular contours. The glass is rendered in a smoked amethyst hue, which transitions from a deeper, more saturated base to a lighter, almost transparent upper half. The coloration is uniformly delicate yet subtly varied due to the mouth-blown process, with occasional air bubbles and minor variations that enhance its handcrafted nature.

Timo Sarpaneva (1926–2006), a central figure in Finnish design, was instrumental in shaping the international reputation of Scandinavian aesthetics in the postwar era. Trained as both a graphic artist and industrial designer, Sarpaneva worked across multiple disciplines, including glass, metal, textiles, and ceramics. His glass designs for Iittala, particularly the Pullo series, are renowned for their purity of form, blending industrial design techniques with artisanal craftsmanship.

Iittala, founded in 1881, was a key player in the development of Finnish modernism. Under the artistic direction of designers like Sarpaneva, Tapio Wirkkala, and Kaj Franck, the company became famous for combining sculptural minimalism with practical, everyday utility. The Pullo vase series is celebrated for its biomorphic and anthropomorphic qualities, offering a fusion of functional design and organic aesthetics.

The vase is in good condition, with no chips or cracks. There are minor signs of wear consistent with careful handling, and some discoloration can be seen at the bottom of the vase. The clarity and original luster of the glass are well-preserved, retaining the unique tactile qualities of hand-blown glass.

The dimensions of the vase are 11 cm in diameter and 16 cm in height (approximately 4.3 inches wide and 6.3 inches high). This piece remains a rare and collectible example of Sarpaneva’s work and a significant part of Finnish design history.