Timo Sarpaneva – Pullo 2601 vase in aubergine glass – Iittala, 1950

Pullo vase, model 2601, designed by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala in Finland in the early 1950s. Made of blown glass in a deep aubergine/plum colour, this model is distinguished by its organic drop-shaped silhouette, short neck, and slightly elongated opening forming a small characteristic spout. The hue appears very dark under normal light, then reveals rich shades of plum, purple, and deep red when illuminated. The base features the characteristic pontil mark of blown glass work. The piece is signed at the tip “T. Sarpaneva 2601” under the base. This shape is also known in the market as the “Bird Bottle, ” referring to the highly stylised profile of its neck. A representative example of post-war Finnish glass design, combining formal simplicity, intense colour, and handcrafted production. Technical details. • Designer: Timo Sarpaneva. • Manufacturer: Iittala. • Model: Pullo 2601. • Common name: Bird Bottle. • Origin: Finland. • Period: circa 1950–1955. • Material: blown glass. • Colour: aubergine/plum/deep purple. • Signature: engraved at the tip under the base: T. Sarpaneva 2601. • Label: absent. • Production: blown glass with pontil under the base. Dimensions. • Height: 17.5 cm / 6.9 in. • Maximum diameter: approx. 11 cm / 4.3 in. • Weight: approx. 200 g. Condition. Good vintage condition. The vase has no cracks or chips. Some light signs of use are consistent with its age. Despite cleaning, a slight residue remains inside, particularly visible under certain lighting and documented in the photographs. The engraved signature under the base remains legible. REF: NIN005.