Artist

Timo Sarpaneva (Helsinki, Finland 1926 – Helsinki, Finland 2006) was an influential Finnish designer, sculptor, and educator best known in the art world for innovative work in glass.

While glass remained his most commonly addressed medium, he worked with metal, wood, textiles, and porcelain (china).

His work was among the key components that helped to launch Finland's reputation as a trailblazer of design.

Recipient of many rewards, among others: The Luning prize (1956), Grand Prix Triennale di Milan (1954, 1957) and Gold medal, Concorso Internazionale della Ceramica d'Arte Contemporanea, Faenza (1976).

Description

A set of six mould blown, hot worked, sand-blasted, acid matted glass Art-objects. Designed by Timo Sarpaneva and executed by Iittala glassworks, Finland, mid-1950s.

Sarpaneva took his inspiration for these objects from the natural phenomena, known as "Hiddenkirnu" or Giant Kettle. These are glacial potholes drilled in solid rock by water descending down a deep moulin or by gravel rotating in a bed of a subglacial meltwater stream.

The collection consists of the following objects:
“Hiidennyrkki” (Devils Fist), model 3530, designed in 1951. These objects were made in two sizes between 1952 and 1960. Both sizes are part of this collection including the rare large example. Both sizes are marked underneath the base in diamondpen: Timo Sarpaneva Iittala. The large one is also dated (1956).

“Hauenleuat” (Pike’s Gap), model 3540. Also designed by Sarpaneva in 1951. Produced by Iittala between 1952 and 1959, this object is also very sought after by collecters. Marked underneath the base in diamondpen: Timo Sarpaneva Iittala.

"Hiidenkirnu" (Devil's churn), model 3532. Designed by Timo Sarpaneva in 1951 and excecuted by Iittala in 1956. Model 3532 has one hole in the side. The object is marked underneath the base in diamondpen: Timo Sarpaneva Iittala 56 (1956).

"Hiidenkirnu" (Devil's churn), model 3533. Designed by Sarpaneva in 1951 and executed by Iittala in 1955. Model 3233 is different from the model 3532 in that it has two holes. It is also slightly taller. The object is marked underneath the base in diamondpen: Timo Sarpaneva Iittala 55 (1955).

"Hiiden kehto" (Devil's cradle), model 3157. Designed by Sarpaneva in 1951. These objects were made in two sizes between 1952 and 1960. in this collection the smaller of the two sizes. It is marked on the side in diamondpen: Timo Sarpaneva Iittala.

Price including VAT: Sold