Helena Tynell 'Pomona' Sugar Bowl & Creamer

A delightful sugar bowl & creamer duo, designed by Helena Tynell for Riihimäen Lasi Oy, Finland, 1960, as part of her 'Pomona' series of stylish tableware. 

The name 'Pomona' is not Finnish in origin, but that of the Roman goddess of abundance. Most often associated with fruit and orchards, Tynell may well have drawn inspiration from a swelling apple or pear when conceiving this wonderful series. Each 'Pomona' object is characterised by a rounded, bottom-heavy silhouette, recalling the form of a ripening fruit. 

Beautifully handmade by Riihimäki’s expert glassblowers, these two colourful pieces delight both the eye and the hand. Originally intended for sugar, the lidded bowl is generously sized and can also be used for sweets or nuts. The creamer is notably larger than most other Riihimäen examples, a seemingly perfect embodiment of Pomona’s association with abundance.

Often confused with Nanny Still’s Harlekiini series (1958), owing to the use of the same iconic turquoise-blue glass with clear knobs and handles, Tynell’s Pomona is, however, even more elusive; pieces are seldom encountered due to the series’ short production run of approximately two years.