A Creative Renaissance of the Iron Age

The " Sarpaneva " cooking pot was designed by Timo Sarpaneva s in 1960 for the Finnish design manufacturer Iittala . The pot and lid are made of cast iron, and the interior is enameled. Professor Timo Sarpaneva ’s grandfather was a blacksmith. The fact that he spent much of his childhood around fire and molten metal inspired the designer Sarpaneva to create his popular version of the cast-iron pot. The “ Sarpaneva ” pot has become so popular that it was featured on a series of stamps honoring Finland’s design elite. The “ Sarpaneva ” pot is a combination of tradition, functionalism, and elegant aesthetics. It’s a kitchen staple that you can take straight from the stove to the table. Among its innovative features—which set it apart from other pots—is a removable wooden handle that you can use to lift the lid and carry the pot. The outstanding performance of this enameled pot on the stovetop, in the oven, and when serving makes this masterpiece perhaps the most beautiful cast-iron pot in the world. The “ Sarpaneva ” pot is suitable for gas, glass-ceramic, halogen, and induction stoves. However, you should not wash it in the dishwasher or use steel scouring pads to clean it.