A Riihimaen Lasi Oy glass 'Pablo' vase by Erkkitapio Siiroinen, pattern No.1388 (1970s) Finland

A Finnish midcentury glass ‘Pablo’ vase designed by Erkkitapio Siiroinen for Riihimäen Lasi Oy in the 1970s, pattern number 1388.

Made from vibrant red glass encased in clear glass, the vase features a cylindrical neck and a geometric body formed by angular, projecting facets. The contrasting forms create a sculptural silhouette, with the transparent glass base providing a visual separation between the coloured body and the surface beneath.

Produced in several colours, including red and blue, the Pablo vase reflects the experimentation with bold colour, geometry and sculptural form that characterised Finnish glass design during the 1970s.

Designer

Erkkitapio Siiroinen (1944-1996) was a Finnish glass designer known for his experimental approach to form, colour and the expressive possibilities of glass.

Initially interested in painting and music, Siiroinen studied industrial design at the Institute of Industrial Arts in Helsinki, where he was taught by Kaj Franck, one of Finland’s most influential modernist designers.

In 1968, while still a student, he began working as a freelance designer for Riihimäen Lasi. His work ranged from functional tableware to highly sculptural decorative glass, often incorporating strong colours, geometric shapes and unusual surface treatments.

Among his best known designs are the Kasperi and Jesperi glassware ranges and a series of sculptural bottles, including the Noppapullo (Dice Bottle), Veturipullo (Locomotive Bottle) and Tellus.

His work represents a more playful and experimental direction in Finnish glass design during the late 1960s and 1970s, moving beyond the restrained functionalism traditionally associated with Scandinavian modernism.

Manufacturer

Riihimäen Lasi Oy was established in Riihimäki, Finland, in 1910 by M. A. Kolehmainen and his son A. P. Kolehmainen.

Initially producing domestic and container glass, the company expanded throughout the twentieth century, becoming one of Finland’s largest glass manufacturers. By the 1920s, it had developed into an important centre for Finnish glass production, manufacturing both functional household wares and decorative glass.

From the 1930s onwards, the company increasingly collaborated with prominent Finnish designers. Its postwar collections included work by Aimo Okkolin, Helena Tynell, Nanny Still and Tamara Aladin, whose designs helped establish the company’s reputation for modernist glass.

During the 1960s and 1970s, Riihimäen Lasi became particularly associated with colourful, sculptural glassware, combining industrial production with contemporary Finnish design.

The company ceased glass production at its Riihimäki factory in 1990. Its decorative glass from the postwar period remains an important part of Finland’s twentieth-century design history.

Condition

Excellent vintage condition. No chips

Dimensions

Height: 20 cm