Timo Sarpaneva 2503 Pitcher

A vintage deep-plum-purple coloured glass carafe by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala, Finland. 

This elegant turn mould-blown carafe was designed in 1956 as part of Sarpaneva’s ‘i’ series of fine table glassware for everyday use. The series included several differently shaped and coloured plates, glasses, and pitchers, which won him his second Grand Prix at the 1957 Milan Triennale.

This sleek carafe featuring straight sides, a long tapering neck and a delicately proportioned spout is model i-2503 and holds 50cl. The design was also produced in a larger 100cl version, model i-403. Both are held in the British Museum and are stunning sculptural yet practical items perfect for serving water or wine.

Iittala’s famous red ‘i’ logo was designed by Sarpaneva for the ‘i’ series, and, fittingly, this carafe retains its original triangular ‘i’ logo sticker. The logo was later adopted by the company as their main branding and this was still in use until Iittala’s controversial rebranding in February 2024.