Helena Tynell designed the Aurinko series for Riihimäen Lasi in 1963, widely known by the name “Aurinkopullo” (“Sun Bottle”). Production of the series began in 1964 and continued until 1974. The name and concept of the bottle were closely connected to Finland as “the land of the midnight sun”, intended to carry the memory of Finland home with the traveller. The bottle was often placed on a windowsill or between window panes, where its sunray-like relief could catch the light and evoke the sun, the northern landscape, and the colours it represented.

The Aurinko series includes bottles in four different sizes, known as 1/4, 2/4, 3/4 and 4/4. In addition to the different sizes, the bottles were produced in an exceptionally diverse range of colours – with at least 19 different colour variations known, ranging from clear and yellow to different shades of green, blue, brown and violet.

It is precisely this variety of sizes and colours, together with the story and distinctive way the bottles were used, that makes “Aurinkopullo” such an intriguing collectible. On this page, you will find Royal SiO2’s selection of Helena Tynell’s “Aurinkopullo” bottles in different sizes, colours and variations. Each bottle is part of this remarkably diverse chapter in the history of Finnish glass design, carrying with it a connection to Finland as “the land of the midnight sun”.