Lot #85: Vintage Pentti Sarpaneva Finnish Modernist Bronze Pendant Necklace – Turun Hopea, c. 1970s

Up for auction is a magnificent example of mid-century Scandinavian design: a vintage modernist bronze statement pendant necklace, designed by the celebrated Finnish jeweler Pentti Sarpaneva for Turun Hopea (or Turun Koru) during the late 1960s to 1970s. Known as the "Lehti" (Leaf) design, this dramatic piece beautifully captures the raw, organic, and architectural aesthetics defining the Nordic Brutalist movement. The sculptural pendant features an openwork upper framework balancing multiple polished roundels. The lower section anchors the design with a textured, rectangular plaque embellished with detailed patterns reminiscent of bark or traditional Finnish lace. The metalwork showcases a stunning intentional contrast, highlighting warm, polished bronze high points against a deeply oxidized, dark-patinated recess. It hangs securely from its original, heavy matching bronze link chain. Designer: Pentti Sarpaneva (Signed "P. Sarpaneva Finland" on reverse) Manufacturer: Turun Hopea / Turun Koru (Finland) Era: Circa 1968–1975 Material: Solid cast bronze with original oxidation/patina Style: Mid-Century Modern, Nordic Brutalist, Scandinavian Statement Pentti Sarpaneva’s large statement pendants are highly sought after by collectors of vintage Scandinavian and Brutalist jewelry. This specific model is a textbook example of his iconic vocabulary, prioritizing weight, texture, and dramatic geometry. Pieces featuring their original untampered chains and crisp signature stamps command a premium in the modern vintage marketplace. Pentti Sarpaneva (1925–1978) was a pioneering Finnish designer whose career began in graphic arts before he transitioned to jewelry making in the late 1950s. Rejecting traditional, pristine jewelry styles, Sarpaneva famously experimented with rugged, unconventional structures and everyday materials. He was inspired by the untamed Finnish wilderness—such as melting ice, bark, and volcanic lava. As the artistic director for firms like Turun Hopea, his avant-garde work redefined wearable art and cemented his legacy as a titan of mid-century Nordic design. Pickup category timeslot {A}