Timo Sarpaneva vase

This is a mouth-blown glass vase, model “Pullo” also commonly referred to as the “Bird Bottle” designed by Timo Sarpaneva in 1956 and produced by Iittala in Finland. The form is organically bulbous with a gentle taper toward the top and a distinctively shaped spout-like opening, subtly curved and pinched to one side. The silhouette recalls both traditional bottle forms and avian contours, evoking Sarpaneva’s interest in sculptural utility and natural abstraction.

The glass is rendered in a translucent blue tone, with a soft tonal gradient that deepens toward the thicker base. The piece demonstrates a high level of clarity and smoothness, and the pontil mark is polished. Etched on the underside is the signature “T. Sarpaneva 2501” indicating both authorship and edition or model number, affirming its authenticity.

The vase measures 16 cm in height and approximately 11 cm in diameter (6.30 inches high by 4.33 inches in diameter). The overall condition is good vintage, with minor surface signs of age such as faint scuffs and light wear primarily at the base, consistent with careful use and display over time.

Timo Sarpaneva (1926–2006) was a Finnish designer and sculptor closely associated with the development of modern Finnish design in the post-war period. A key figure in Iittala’s creative legacy, Sarpaneva’s work bridged art and industrial design, often treating glass not just as a utilitarian material but as a medium for expressive form. His Pullo vases reflect this ethos, combining pure geometry with sensual, almost animate shaping.

Iittala, founded in 1881, is one of Finland’s most renowned design manufacturers, particularly recognized for its innovative work in glass. In the 1950s and 60s, Iittala’s collaboration with designers such as Sarpaneva, Tapio Wirkkala, and Kaj Franck positioned the company at the forefront of Scandinavian modernism. This vase exemplifies the era’s exploration of form, transparency, and minimalism in glass.