Timo Sarpaneva, a vase from the Finlandia series for Iittala. In production 1964-1970.
Fixed-blown clear glass in a wooden mould. Rim cut. Height 30 cm. Width 25 x 25 cm.
The general impression is good.
Timo Sarpaneva's collection.
Sarpaneva discovered the wood mould firing technique by chance while attempting to create a surface pattern on glass. The wooden mould was filled with saw blades and wires, among other things, to make the surface pattern. The glass was then blown into the mould. Glass master Reino Löflund found the result unsatisfactory and sent the samples to Sarpaneva. Timo was thrilled to receive them since the molten glass had burned onto a twig in the mould, forming a charred surface. The pattern of the wood was replicated perfectly on the glass. "Can you make more of these?" asked the artist. "We'll see when you come to the factory," was the response. The next morning, Sarpaneva arrived at the glass factory by train.
Marjatta Sarpaneva
Two documentaries 'Sarpaneva ja muodon taju' and 'Sarpaneva Sarpanevasta' are available on YLE Arena.