Timo Sarpaneva "i-color" Glass Tumblers, 1956

These glass tumblers by Timo Sarpaneva embody his ability to elevate everyday objects into works of quiet art. A key figure of postwar Finnish design, Sarpaneva was celebrated for his mastery of glass—“the material of space”—and his unparalleled skill in capturing light. These tumblers reflect his poetic approach to form and material, evoking the subtle luminosity of ice, water, and forest light. Functional yet deeply expressive, they are timeless examples of Scandinavian design at its most refined. This set of 6 glasses has 3 colors: blue, green, and grey.

The idea behind Sarpaneva’s i-color series for Iittala was to create glassware that comes alive once it’s in use. When liquid is added, light moves through both the glass and the contents within—two reflective surfaces working together—so the color deepens and the light becomes more intense. The result is a subtle transformation: an everyday object that reveals its full character only when engaged.

Approx. 2.75" H, very strong yet so lightweight, magical little glasses! Designed 1956, produced 1956 - 1967 by Iittala, Finland.

‘People don’t really need holidays, after all; they can carry their holidays with them, and rest when they wish’, said Professor Timo Sarpaneva (born 1926), industrial designer, artist, and untiringly prolific star of international design.