The Russian Charm of Iittala's Tsaikka Tea Glass

Tsaikka, maybe Iittala's most Russian style glass design

The Russian Charm Behind Iittala's Tsaikkas

The habit of drinking tea in decorated fine glasses is the traditional way in many countries of Asia and the Middle East. However, no other tea glass is as adored and appreciated as Iittala's Tsaikkas. The metallic base, to hold the hot glass, is very Russian and I bet they were introduced to Europe through Russia a country which also pioneered the design of porcelain cups. Tsaikka, Iittala's iconic hot tea glasses, designed by Timo Sarpaneva, is super-duper Russian- Slavic, including the name. The line, designed by Sarpaneva in 1957 and still in production, is very different from the modern art glass pieces Sarpaneva would be famous for during the 1960's and 1970's. There is a certain ethnical touch to the design of the entire series, which emanates from the bold base with the handle in form of an "eight" giving also a mystical touch to the design. After 60 years, Iittala's Tsaikka remains a must. They come and go in our store. We have had many of them and currently  have some in stock. Never for very long...

In love with Sarpaneva's 1981 Arkipelago

Arkipelagos

Arkipelago is a stunning series of glass candleholders designed by Finnish designer Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala of Finland in 1981 and no longer in production. The pieces of the Arkipelago series are now collectors items hunt all over the world. The series is made of holders of many different forms and heights, all of them are made with of many layers of glass. Each holder shows beautiful unique swirls resembling the movements under water. I believe there is not one identical to another, they are all alike. It is just beautiful. Currently we have two pairs in our store. You can find them 13cm tall here and  and the 8,5cm tall here.