Kaisa Koivisto and Pekka Korvenmaa, eds., Glass from Finland in the Bischofberger Collection, exh. cat., Le Stanze del Vetro and Fondazione Giorgio Cini, Venice, 2015, p. 329, no. 275, p. 409, fig. 275
Catalogue Essay
The present model was never conceived as a vase but as a sculpture, for which the artist was awarded a Gand Prix at the X Milan Triennale, in 1954. Also declared 'The most significant object of the year' by House Beautiful, the 'Orkidea' was exhibited at the XI Milan Triennale and remained one of the most famous and iconic designs by Iittala glassworks. The interior is created by steam blowing the incandescent glass, letting the steam expand the cavity to the desired size. Produced between 1954 and 1972, the model was executed in various sizes, the present model being the largest from the production that was discontinued towards the end of the 1950s. The vertical surface cutting is also found exclusively on examples produced before this date.
Phillips wishes to thank Kaisa Koivisto, Chief Curator of The Finnish Glass Museum, for her assistance with the cataloguing of the present lot.
designed 1953, executed 1957 Clear lead crystal glass, steam blown, cut and surface polished. 38.3 cm (15 1/8 in.) high Produced by Iittala, Helsinki, Finland. Underside incised TIMO SARPANEVA - IITTALA - 57.