Skip to main content

Alvar Aalto Bowls and Baskets

Finnish, 1898-1976

An architect and designer, Alvar Aalto deserves an immense share of the credit for bringing Scandinavian modernism and Nordic design to a prominent place in the global arena. In both his buildings and his vintage furniture — which ranges from chairs, stools, tables and lighting to table- and glassware — Aalto’s sensitivity to the natural world and to organic forms and materials tempered the hardness of rationalist design.

Relatively few Aalto buildings exist outside Finland. (Just four exist in the United States, and only one — the sinuous 1945 Baker House dormitory at M.I.T. — is easily visited.) International attention came to Aalto, whose surname translates to English as “wave,” primarily through his furnishings.

Instead of the tubular metal framing favored by the Bauhaus designers and Le Corbusier, Aalto insisted on wood. His aesthetic is best represented by the Paimio armchair, developed with his wife, Aino Aalto, in 1930 as part of the overall design of a Finnish tuberculosis sanatorium.

Comfortable, yet light enough to be easily moved by patients, the Paimio chair’s frame is composed of two laminated birch loops; the seat and back are formed from a single sheet of plywood that scrolls under the headrest and beneath the knees, creating a sort of pillow effect. Aalto’s use of plywood had an enormous influence on Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, Marcel Breuer and others who later came to the material.

Concerned with keeping up standards of quality in the production of his designs, Aalto formed the still-extant company Artek in 1935, along with Aino, whose glass designs were made by the firm. In the latter medium, in 1936 the Aaltos together created the iconic, undulating Savoy vase, so-called for the luxe Helsinki restaurant for which the piece was designed.

Artek also produced Aalto pendants and other lighting designs, many of which — such as the Angel’s Wing floor lamp and the Beehive pendant — incorporate a signature Aalto detail: shades made of concentric enameled-metal rings graduated down in diameter. The effect of the technique is essential Alvar Aalto: at once precise, simple, and somehow poetic.

Find a collection of vintage Alvar Aalto stools, vases, dining tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.

to
2
5
2
5
2
3
1
1
2
3
2
5
2
2
1
4
2
7
7
Height
to
Width
to
7
7
7
306
152
142
123
100
Creator: Alvar Aalto
Alvar Aalto Savoy Glass Bowl, Mid-Century Modern, Finland, Circa 1960
Alvar Aalto Savoy Glass Bowl, Mid-Century Modern, Finland, Circa 1960

Alvar Aalto Savoy Glass Bowl, Mid-Century Modern, Finland, Circa 1960

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Glass designed by Alvar Aalto, circa 1960. Manufactured in Finland. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Hugo Alv...

Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Glass

Pair of Alvar Aalto Steel Bowl's by Iittala Finland
Pair of Alvar Aalto Steel Bowl's by Iittala Finland

Pair of Alvar Aalto Steel Bowl's by Iittala Finland

By Alvar Aalto, Iittala

Located in Turku, Finland

Set of two Aalto Steel Bowls. Designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Iittala Finland. Finnish design legend Alvar Aalto’s asymmetrical natural wave shape has become his creati...

Category

2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Stainless Steel

Freeform Stainless Steel Alvar Aalto Bowl for Lilttala
Freeform Stainless Steel Alvar Aalto Bowl for Lilttala

Freeform Stainless Steel Alvar Aalto Bowl for Lilttala

By Alvar Aalto, Iittala

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful freeform stainless steel bowl designed by Alvar Aalto for Iittala in polished stainless steel.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Stainless Steel

Alvar Aalto Savoy Bowl Dish, Pair
Alvar Aalto Savoy Bowl Dish, Pair

Alvar Aalto Savoy Bowl Dish, Pair

By Alvar Aalto, Iittala

Located in New York, NY

Two beautiful and iconic Scandinavian Modern Aalto clear glass bowls, Iittala, Finland, circa late-20th century. These clear dishes or bowls are taken fro...

Category

Late 20th Century Finnish Organic Modern Alvar Aalto Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Glass

Alvar Aalto Organic Glass Vase Model Savoy, circa 1960
Alvar Aalto Organic Glass Vase Model Savoy, circa 1960

Alvar Aalto Organic Glass Vase Model Savoy, circa 1960

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Glass designed by Alvar Aalto, circa 1960. Manufactured in Finland. In great original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Hugo Al...

Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Glass

Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase and Bowls Set, Mid-Century Modern, Finland
Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase and Bowls Set, Mid-Century Modern, Finland

Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase and Bowls Set, Mid-Century Modern, Finland

By Alvar Aalto, Iittala

Located in Esbjerg, DK

1950s, Mid-Century Modern, blown glass 'Savoy' vase and bowls designed by Alvar, signed/marked. Measures: H. 10/4/3, W. 11/13.5/10, D. 10/11/9.

Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Glass

Finnish glass bowl Alvar Aalto for littala
Finnish glass bowl Alvar Aalto for littala

Finnish glass bowl Alvar Aalto for littala

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA

Finnish Glass Bowl Alvar Aalto Beautiful and fine Alvar Aalto glass bowl in a transparent green tone. Alvar Aalto has been the only architect of the Second Generation of the Modern M...

Category

20th Century Finnish Post-Modern Alvar Aalto Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Art Glass

Related Items
Mid-Century Glass Bowl/Bohemia Glass, 1960´s
Mid-Century Glass Bowl/Bohemia Glass, 1960´s

Mid-Century Glass Bowl/Bohemia Glass, 1960´s

$310

H 2.76 in W 16.93 in D 6.7 in

Mid-Century Glass Bowl/Bohemia Glass, 1960´s

Located in Praha, CZ

Made in Czechoslovakia Made of Art Glass Re-Polished Original Condition.

Category

1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Art Glass

Richard Meier for Swid Powell Stainless Steel Bowl/Centerpiece
Richard Meier for Swid Powell Stainless Steel Bowl/Centerpiece

Richard Meier for Swid Powell Stainless Steel Bowl/Centerpiece

By Swid Powell, Richard Meier

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful post modern design by the well known architect Richard Meier. Measure: 10 inches.

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Alvar Aalto Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mid-Century Modern Murano Glass Zanfirico Latticino Bowl, Italy, circa 1960s
Mid-Century Modern Murano Glass Zanfirico Latticino Bowl, Italy, circa 1960s

Mid-Century Modern Murano Glass Zanfirico Latticino Bowl, Italy, circa 1960s

By Salviati

Located in Warrenton, OR

Mid-Century Modern Murano Glass Zanfirico Latticino Bowl, Italy, circa 1960s. ***NOTE: Our 1stDibs store is closing in May and items will not be available thereafter.*** In springy c...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Iconic Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase Model. 3030 in Clear Glass, Iittala 1960s
Iconic Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase Model. 3030 in Clear Glass, Iittala 1960s

Iconic Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase Model. 3030 in Clear Glass, Iittala 1960s

By Iittala, Alvar Aalto

Located in Helsinki, FI

An iconic Savoy vase by Alvar Aalto for Iittala, dating from the 1960s to the early 1970s. The vase is in good condition, presenting only slight markings to the base consistent with ...

Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Blown Glass

Iconic Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase Model. 3030 in Deep Green, Iittala 1950s
Iconic Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase Model. 3030 in Deep Green, Iittala 1950s

Iconic Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase Model. 3030 in Deep Green, Iittala 1950s

By Iittala, Alvar Aalto

Located in Helsinki, FI

Alvar Aalto entered and won a competition held at the Karhula-Iittala glass factory that was organized for the 1937 Paris World Fair. The year was 1936 and Aalto´s entry was called `Eskimoerindens skinnbuxa` or `Eskimo Woman`s Leather Trousers` . The entry comprised of a number of different free-formed vases and bowls that came in different shapes and sizes. The most famous of Aalto´s glass designs is exactly this so called `Savoy` vase, as it was part of the Savoy restaurant`s original interior design that was done by the Aalto couple. Winning the competition marked the beginning of a succesful breakthrough for Alvar Aalto in addition to his other accomplishments as a world famous architect. The early vases by Aalto are extremely sought after collectible´s gems that fetch incredible prices every now and then in auctions worldwide. We have seen them in a number of different colors, mainly clear glass, green, brown, and blue. This vase is fully signed Alvar Aalto and is in good condition. This vase is signed Alvar Aalto 3030...

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Blown Glass

Vintage Calcite or Stone Freeform Bowl
Vintage Calcite or Stone Freeform Bowl

Vintage Calcite or Stone Freeform Bowl

$2,000

H 5 in W 16.5 in D 13 in

Vintage Calcite or Stone Freeform Bowl

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Lofty banded calcite or white onyx bowl, object of art hand carved and polished in a biomorphic modern form retaining its organic raw edge.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Stone

Vintage Iittala Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase
Vintage Iittala Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase

Vintage Iittala Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase

$550

H 6.25 in W 8 in D 7.5 in

Vintage Iittala Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Round Rock, TX

The iconic “Savoy” vase was designed by Alvar Aalto for Iittala of Finland. Considered one of the most revered designers of the 20th century, Aalto created this vase as part of a 10-...

Category

1990s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Glass, Blown Glass

Winslow Anderson Handmade Amoeba Freeform Glass Bowl / Tray for Blenko, c.1965
Winslow Anderson Handmade Amoeba Freeform Glass Bowl / Tray for Blenko, c.1965

Winslow Anderson Handmade Amoeba Freeform Glass Bowl / Tray for Blenko, c.1965

By Winslow Anderson, Blenko Glass

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Winslow Anderson Handmade Amoeba Freeform Glass Bowl / Tray for Blenko, United States, c.1965.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Mid-Century Modern Glass Vase by Alvar Aalto for Iittala
Mid-Century Modern Glass Vase by Alvar Aalto for Iittala

Mid-Century Modern Glass Vase by Alvar Aalto for Iittala

By Iittala, Alvar Aalto

Located in Hamburg, DE

Mid-Century Modern Glass Vase by Alvar Aalto for Iittala. New in box, old Iittala box and logo (1991-2000)

Category

20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Glass

Alvar Aalto Vintage Vase 3030, Blown Glass, Scandinavian Modern
Alvar Aalto Vintage Vase 3030, Blown Glass, Scandinavian Modern

Alvar Aalto Vintage Vase 3030, Blown Glass, Scandinavian Modern

By Iittala, Alvar Aalto

Located in Turku, Finland

Iconic Vintage Aalto vase that was blown into an iron mold. Hand Signed "Alvar Aalto 3030". Manufactured by Iittala Finland. - Condition: Very good for its age. No cracks or chips. ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Blown Glass

Mid-Century Modern Heavy Sculptural Glass Bowl, Finland, 1960s
Mid-Century Modern Heavy Sculptural Glass Bowl, Finland, 1960s

Mid-Century Modern Heavy Sculptural Glass Bowl, Finland, 1960s

By Tamara Aladin, Timo Sarpaneva

Located in Frederiksberg C, DK

Mid-Century Modern Heavy Sculptural Glass Bowl, Finland, 1960s Heavy and sculptural handblown glass bowl from Finland, 1960s. The piece is crafted in thick glass with fluid, organic...

Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Glass

Mid-Century Modern Wood Fruit Bowl – France, Circa 1960
Mid-Century Modern Wood Fruit Bowl – France, Circa 1960

Mid-Century Modern Wood Fruit Bowl – France, Circa 1960

Located in Barcelona, ES

Mid-Century Modern Wood Fruit Bowl – France, Circa 1960 Bring a touch of timeless elegance to your home with this Mid-Century Modern wood fruit bowl, manufactured in France circa 19...

Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Wood

Previously Available Items
Alvar Aalto High Glass Bowl Savoy High, circa 1960
Alvar Aalto High Glass Bowl Savoy High, circa 1960

Alvar Aalto High Glass Bowl Savoy High, circa 1960

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Glass designed by Alvar Aalto, circa 1960. Manufactured in Finland. Signed In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. ...

Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Glass

Alvar Aalto Glass Bowl Savoy, circa 1960
Alvar Aalto Glass Bowl Savoy, circa 1960

Alvar Aalto Glass Bowl Savoy, circa 1960

Sold

H 6.3 in W 8.27 in D 6.7 in

Alvar Aalto Glass Bowl Savoy, circa 1960

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Glass designed by Alvar Aalto, circa 1960. Manufactured in Finland. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Hugo Alv...

Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Glass

Alvar Aalto Glass Bowl Savoy, circa 1960
Alvar Aalto Glass Bowl Savoy, circa 1960

Alvar Aalto Glass Bowl Savoy, circa 1960

Sold

H 6.3 in W 8.27 in D 6.7 in

Alvar Aalto Glass Bowl Savoy, circa 1960

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Glass designed by Alvar Aalto, circa 1960. Manufactured in Finland. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use in the structure some broken little piece o...

Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Glass

Alvar Aalto Large Savoy Vase in Emerald Green for Iittala
Alvar Aalto Large Savoy Vase in Emerald Green for Iittala

Alvar Aalto Large Savoy Vase in Emerald Green for Iittala

By Alvar Aalto, Iittala

Located in Grand Cayman, KY

Iconic Scandinavian Modern design by Alvar Aalto in vibrant emerald green glass for eminent Finnish glassworks, Iittala. This mid-century example includes a bubble in the glasswor...

Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Glass

Alvar Aalto Vase by Iittala, circa 1970
Alvar Aalto Vase by Iittala, circa 1970

Alvar Aalto Vase by Iittala, circa 1970

Sold

H 1.23 in W 5.52 in D 4.85 in

Alvar Aalto Vase by Iittala, circa 1970

By Alvar Aalto, Iittala

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Glass bowl designed by Alvar Aalto manufactured by Iittala from Finland, circa 1970. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful pat...

Category

1970s Finnish Other Vintage Alvar Aalto Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Glass

Alvar Aalto for Iittala Savoy Finnish Modernist Glass Bowl Dish Vase
Alvar Aalto for Iittala Savoy Finnish Modernist Glass Bowl Dish Vase

Alvar Aalto for Iittala Savoy Finnish Modernist Glass Bowl Dish Vase

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Palm Springs, CA

Finnish modernist Savoy vase, dish or bowl designed by Alvar Aalto for Iittala. Bowl was originally designed in 1936, this is a later version a...

Category

1990s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Glass

Two Clear Savoy Vases by Alvar Aalto for Iittala, Finland, 1970s
Two Clear Savoy Vases by Alvar Aalto for Iittala, Finland, 1970s

Two Clear Savoy Vases by Alvar Aalto for Iittala, Finland, 1970s

By Iittala, Alvar Aalto

Located in Miami, FL

REDUCED FROM $950....The Savoy vase or Aalto vase was created by Alvar and Aino Aalto in the 1930s for an art glass competion in Finland. The distinctive form of the vase is supposed...

Category

1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Blown Glass

Alvar Aalto bowls and baskets for sale on 1stDibs.

Alvar Aalto bowls and baskets are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of glass and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Alvar Aalto bowls and baskets, although green editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original bowls and baskets by Alvar Aalto were created in the mid-century modern style in finland during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider bowls and baskets by Friedl Holzer-Kjellberg, Nuutajärvi Notsjõ, and Arabia. Prices for Alvar Aalto bowls and baskets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $225 and can go as high as $2,025, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,762.
Questions About Alvar Aalto Bowls and Baskets
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    Alvar Aalto is known for bringing Scandinavian modernism and Nordic design to global prominence. In his designs for buildings and furniture, Aalto's sensitivity to the natural world and to organic forms and materials tempered the hardness of rationalist design. One of his most famous pieces is the Paimio armchair, which he designed in 1930 for a Finnish tuberculosis sanatorium. Comfortable yet light enough to be easily moved by patients, the Paimio chair's frame is made of two laminated birch loops. The seat and back are formed from a single sheet of plywood that scrolls under the headrest and beneath the knees, creating a pillow effect. Aalto's use of plywood had an enormous influence on Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, Marcel Breuer and many others. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Alvar Aalto furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    The style most commonly associated with Alvar Aalto is Scandinavian modern. As an architect and designer, Aalto deserves an immense share of the credit for bringing Scandinavian modernism and Nordic design to a prominent place in the global arena. In both his buildings and his vintage furniture, Aalto's sensitivity to the natural world and organic forms and materials tempered the hardness of rationalist design, as is indicative of Scandinavian modern pieces. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Alvar Aalto furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    The Paimio chair, designed by Alvar Aalto, is a type of armchair created in 1932. Also called the Armchair 41, it was intended to help people breathe easier and was designed for a tuberculosis sanatorium in the Finnish city of Paimio. For the chair's frame, Aalto and his wife, Aino, opted to use Finland's native birchwood, which is strong and inexpensive and felt warmer and more organic than the tubular steel found in similarly shaped pieces. Laminated wood loops form the arms, legs and a pair of flat skids, while its sculptural seat and back are built from a single piece of thin plywood. Shop a variety of Alvar Aalto Paimio chairs on 1stDibs.