Timo Sarpaneva 'Kyynel' Art Object

Iittala are widely regarded as the most important post-war glass manufacturer in the world. Their huge success was accelerated in the 1950's when innovative designs by Tapio Wirkkala and Timo Sarpaneva took the Milan Triennale's by storm. This secured the glassworks' reputation as innovators in modernist design, and positioned Finland as a beacon of progressive ideas for the modern world. 

The sheer energy and enthusiasm at the factory during the mid 20th century can be attributed to the rivalry between the two aforementioned designers. This conflict only brought out the very best in each designer, defining the language of modernism in the process.

This rare and elegant 'Kyynel' (Teardrop) art object was designed in 1954 by Timo Sarpaneva, the year he won Grand Prix at the Milan Triennale. The piece takes the form of a droplet of water, and suspended within floats an air bubble in the shape of a teardrop. A second bubble spans the top of the piece. This is an excellent example of Sarpaneva's artistic capabilities, exploiting the unique liquid properties of the medium of glass to create an object of poetry.