RIIHIMÄEN LASI – Where colour shaped Finnish glass


Founded in 1910, Riihimäen Lasi grew from a small glassworks into one of Finland's largest and most influential glass manufacturers. While the factory initially focused on bottles, window glass and everyday household items, it would later become internationally renowned for its colourful art glass and innovative designs.

  • During the post-war decades, Riihimäen Lasi became one of the driving forces behind modern Finnish glass design. The factory embraced bold colours, sculptural forms and new production techniques that helped distinguish its glass from that of other Scandinavian manufacturers.

  • Designers such as Helena Tynell, Tamara Aladin, Nanny Still and Aimo Okkolin helped shape Riihimäen Lasi into one of Finland's most respected glassworks. Their creations remain among the most recognisable and collectible examples of Finnish glass today.

  • Today, Riihimäen Lasi is celebrated for its vibrant colours, timeless designs and exceptional craftsmanship. Whether admired as decorative art or used in everyday life, its glass continues to captivate collectors around the world.

Timeline

  • 1910 – Riihimäen Lasi is founded in the railway town of Riihimäki by Mikko Adolf Kolehmainen, together with the Paloheimo family, beginning production of bottles and everyday glassware.

    1919 – The factory expands rapidly, becoming one of Finland's leading producers of bottles, jars and household glass.

    1927 – Riihimäen Lasi acquires Kaukalahti Glassworks, becoming Finland's largest glass manufacturer.

    1937 – The company adopts the name Riihimäen Lasi Oy, marking a new stage in its development. Around this time, Aimo Okkolin begins his long association with the factory.

    1949 – Helena Tynell and Nanny Still join the design team, ushering in Riihimäki's golden era of art glass.

    1959 – Tamara Aladin joins Riihimäen Lasi, introducing bold colours and sculptural forms that become internationally recognised.

    1960s – Riihimäen Lasi reaches its artistic peak. Its colourful glass is exported to more than 20 countries, helping establish Finnish glass on the international stage.

    1976 – Production of handmade art and domestic glass ends as the company shifts its focus to machine-made container glass and plastic packaging. Crystal cutting continues for a few more years.

    1985 – A. Ahlström Corporation acquires Riihimäen Lasi, beginning the company's final chapter.

    1990 – The Riihimäki factory closes after eighty years of production, bringing an end to one of Finland's most influential glassworks.

    Today – Riihimäen Lasi remains one of Finland's most collectible glass manufacturers. Its colourful designs, innovative forms and exceptional craftsmanship continue to inspire collectors and design enthusiasts around the world.

Why collectors love Riihimäen Lasi

  • Collectors value Riihimäen Lasi for its remarkable combination of vibrant colour, elegant form and outstanding craftsmanship. While many factories focused on functional glassware, Riihimäki became known for creating distinctive pieces that brought colour and personality into everyday life. From sculptural vases and decorative bottles to elegant crystal and everyday glassware, Riihimäen Lasi continues to be admired for its originality, quality and lasting influence on Scandinavian glass design.

  • Collectors around the world continue to seek original Riihimäen Lasi pieces for their beauty, rarity and timeless appeal. Whether displayed as art glass or used in the home, each piece reflects the creativity and craftsmanship that made Riihimäki one of Finland's most respected glassmakers.

Riihimäen Lasi legends

Designer Helena Tynell - Royal SiO2

Helena Tynell

Most iconic decorative bottle is Aurinkopullo

Discover the works of Helena Tynell
Designer Tamara Aladin - Royal SiO2

Tamara Aladin

The queen of colourful glass

Discover the works of Tamara Aladin
Designer Nanny Still - Royal SiO2

Nanny Still

Most beloved glass collection is Grapponia

Discover the works of Nanny Still
Aimo Okkolin - Royal SiO2

Aimo Okkolin

The master of Finnish crystal

Discover the works of Aimo Okkolin

Did you know?

  • Riihimäki began with bottles

    When Riihimäen Lasi was founded in 1910, its main products were bottles, jars and everyday household glass. Art glass would become part of the company's story only decades later.

  • Colour became Riihimäki's signature

    Riihimäen Lasi became famous for its rich colours, but each shade required its own carefully developed glass formula. Producing consistent colours was one of the factory's greatest technical achievements.

  • Every colour required its own recipe

    Under the guidance of visionary designers, Nuutajärvi became one of the places where modern Finnish glass design developed its distinctive style, combining craftsmanship with artistic innovation.

  • Riihimäki glass reached the world

    During the 1950s and 1960s, Riihimäen Lasi exported its colourful glass to markets across Europe and beyond, helping Finnish glass gain international recognition.

  • Finnish design classics were created here

    Iconic designs such as Aurinkopullo, Pala, Grapponia, Stella Polaris and Hyasintti were created at Riihimäen Lasi and continue to be admired by collectors around the world.

  • Collectors still hunt for Riihimäki colours

    Original Riihimäen Lasi pieces are especially valued for their rich colours, with certain shades and limited production models becoming highly sought after by collectors.

Whether you are discovering Riihimäen Lasi for the first time or adding another colourful piece to your collection, every object reflects decades of Finnish craftsmanship, creativity and innovation.

At Royal SiO₂, we carefully select original Riihimäen Lasi pieces that continue to celebrate one of Finland's most remarkable glassmaking traditions.

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