Timo Sarpeneva vase

This bird bottle vase was designed by Timo Sarpaneva and produced by Iittala in Finland in 1957. It is made of mouth-blown glass in a soft amethyst-purple tone, with a smooth and glossy surface that accentuates its pure, organic form. The body is tall and slightly rounded, tapering gently towards the top, where a small, pointed spout-like opening is pulled to one side. The base is slightly indented, characteristic of hand-blown production, and the underside is engraved with the designer’s signature, which further authenticates the piece.

The condition is excellent with no notable damage, maintaining the clarity and depth of the glass. The shape is part of Sarpaneva’s celebrated “Bird Bottle” series, in which he explored minimal sculptural forms inspired by nature, balancing function and artistic expression. These vases are designed to be both utilitarian vessels and stand-alone decorative objects, exemplifying the Finnish modernist approach to glass design.

Timo Sarpaneva (1926–2006) was one of Finland’s most influential designers, known for elevating everyday glassware into objects of art. He worked extensively with Iittala and played a key role in shaping the company’s reputation internationally during the mid-20th century. His work is characterized by clean lines, sculptural simplicity, and technical mastery, often blurring the line between craft and design.

The style is firmly rooted in Scandinavian modernism, where emphasis is placed on material purity, simple form, and timeless appeal. The amethyst coloration, combined with the subtle asymmetry of the spout, gives this piece a sense of quiet elegance and individuality.

Dimensions: height 19 cm (7.5 in), diameter 9.5 cm (3.7 in).