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.
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 ...
Blown Glass
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...
Blown Glass
Iittala Alvar Aalto Clear Art Glass Sculptural Flower Savoy Vase Scandinavian
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in Miami, FL
Scandinavian Modern sculptural clear art glass savoy vase designed by Alvar Aalto for Iittala, made in Finland. This is a beautiful handmade iconic piece from the 1980s. Foil label ...
Art Glass
Iconic Alvar Aalto Savoy Glass Vase Model. 3030, Deep Green, Iittala 1960s
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 `...
Blown Glass
Art Glass Vase by Alvar Aalto for ittala
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage white jacketed glass vase designed by Alvar Aalto and realized by Iittala, Finland. Realized since 1960s, this series is one of the most celebrated among Iittal's production...
Art Glass
Early Glass Vase by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Early Glass Vase by Alvar Aalto Additional Information: Material: Glass blown in wooden mould Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced in Finland Signed Alvar Aalto 3030...
Glass
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-...
Glass, Blown Glass
Iittala Alvar Aalto Arango Art Glass Sculptural Flower Savoy Vase Scandinavian
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in Miami, FL
Scandinavian Modern sculptural Arango clear art glass savoy vase designed by Alvar Aalto for Iittala, made in Finland. This is a beautiful handmade iconic piece from the 1990s. Foil...
Art Glass
$650Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Hand Signed White 3030 Iittala Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in Krefeld, DE
Hand signed Alvar Aalto vase 3030 Savoy for Iittala made in Finland. Nice vintage condition with some scratches at the base and small chips at th...
Glass
Alvar Aalto Vintage 160mm Hand Signed Vase 3030
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
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. ...
Blown Glass
Alvar Aalto for Iittala Petite Glass Vase
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A petite 'Savoy' vase from Alvar Aalto’s collection of blown glass vases for Iittala of Finland. This design has four irregular lobes with undulating sides that make this vase perfec...
Blown Glass
Set of 3 Alvar Aalto Savoy Vases Model. 3030 in Clear Glass, Iittala 1960-70s
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in Helsinki, FI
A set of three iconic Savoy vases by Alvar Aalto for Iittala, dating from the 1960s to the early 1970s. The vases are in good condition, presenting only slight markings to the base c...
Blown Glass
Savoy Vase, Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Los angeles, CA
Savoy Vase
Glass
Alvar Aalto Vase Model 9748, Iittala 1956, Clear Glass Blown into Wooden Mold
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
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 `...
Blown Glass
Vintage Crystal Vase by Alvar Aalto for Iittala
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage crystal vase is a decorative crystal object designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Ittala in the 1980s. Elegant crystal vase in the shape of a corolla. Corolla vase is...
Crystal
Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase and Bowls Set, Mid-Century Modern, Finland
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
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.
Glass
Vase Aalto, Alvar Aalto, by Ittala, 1960 circa
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Alvar Aalto's timeless design legacy shines through the iconic Vase Aalto, a classic from the 1960s crafted by Iittala. This fluid masterpiece seamlessly merges form and function, sh...
Art Glass
Vintage Crystal Vase, Alvar Aalto, 1980s
By Orrefors, Alvar Aalto
Located in Roma, IT
This vintage crystal vase is a decorative crystal object designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by the Swedish Companies Orrefors and Ittala in ...
Glass
$600
H 10 in W 6.75 in D 5 in
Iittala Alvar Aalto Arango Art Glass Sculptural Flower Savoy Vase Scandinavian
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in Miami, FL
Scandinavian Modern sculptural Arango clear art glass savoy vase designed by Alvar Aalto for Iittala, made in Finland. This is a beautiful handmade iconic piece from the 1990s. Foil...
Art Glass
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-...
Glass, Blown Glass
$2,723
H 6.3 in W 8.27 in D 6.7 in
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...
Glass
Freeform Stainless Steel Alvar Aalto Bowl for Lilttala
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful freeform stainless steel bowl designed by Alvar Aalto for Iittala in polished stainless steel.
Stainless Steel
Alvar Aalto Vintage 160mm Hand Signed Vase 3030
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
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. ...
Blown Glass
$650Sale Price|20% Off
H 6.3 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in
Vintage Hand Signed White 3030 Iittala Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in Krefeld, DE
Hand signed Alvar Aalto vase 3030 Savoy for Iittala made in Finland. Nice vintage condition with some scratches at the base and small chips at th...
Glass
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...
Glass
Tapio Wirkkala, Vase, Glass, Finland, 1960s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in High Point, NC
A blown glass vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala, and produced by Iittala, Finland, 1960s
Glass
Kantarelli Art Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, 1951
By Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Kantarelli Art glass vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, 1951 A large vintage 'Kantarelli' (chantertelle) vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Glassworks in 1951. Mold blown ...
Art Glass
Vintage Art Glass Vase 'Twist' by Kari Alakoski for Iittala
By Iittala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Art Glass Vase 'Twist' by Kari Alakoski for Iittala A vintage art glass vase of the 'Twist' series designed and blown by Kari Alakoski for Iittala in 1997. Made of thick han...
Art Glass
$750
H 6.5 in Dm 4.25 in
Signed Blue Timo Sarpaneva Pullo Bird Bottle Glass Vase, Iittala, Finland, 1950s
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful art glass bottle vase, model „Pullo“ in blue from the 1950s. Designed by Timo Sarpaneva, executed by Iittala Finland. In good condition with marginal wear.
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
Finger Art Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1951
By Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Finger Art Glass Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala 1951 A vintage 'Jäkälä' (lichen or finger) vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Glassworks in 1...
Art Glass
Vintage Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase for Iittala, Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Alvar Aalto designed the iconic “Savoy” vase for Iittala of Finland. Considered one of the most revered designers of the 20th century, Aalto created this vase as part of a 10-piece c...
Glass
Sold
H 7.96 in W 4.69 in D 4.3 in
Alvar Aalto White Savoy Vase for Iittala, Iconic Finnish Glass Design
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This iconic white Savoy vase, designed by Alvar Aalto for Iittala, epitomizes timeless Finnish design. Featuring the signature organic, free-flowing shape introduced in 1936, this va...
Blown Glass
Alvar Aalto Clear Glass Amorphic "Savoy" Vase Signed
By Alvar Aalto
Located in San Diego, CA
Alvar Aalto iconic Savoy clear glass vase for Ittala with acid etched Alvar Aalto signature on underside. Circa 1970. Finland.
Glass
Vintage 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-...
Blown Glass
Vintage Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase for Iittala
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-...
Blown Glass
Sold
H 4.75 in W 6 in D 4.88 in
1970s MCM Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase 3030 in Smoke Gray Glass by Iittala Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in St. Louis, MO
The famous Mid-Century Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase 3030 shown in rarely seen Smoke Gray glass made by Iittala Finland. Retains original label, also etched Alvar Aalto signature to bottom.
Blown Glass
Sold
H 6.25 in W 10.25 in D 4.75 in
Iittala Alvar Aalto Transparent Glass Sculptural Flower Savoy Vase Scandinavian
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in Miami, FL
Scandinavian Modern sculptural transparent art glass savoy vase designed by Alvar Aalto for Iittala, made in Finland. This is a beautiful handmade iconic piece from the 1980s. Foil ...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Sold
H 6.3 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in
Vintage Hand Signed Clear Glass 3030 Iittala Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase 1960s
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in Krefeld, DE
Hand signed Alvar Aalto vase 3030 Savoy for Iittala made in Finland. Nice vintage condition with some scratches at the base and one Fleabite.
Glass
Alvar Aalto Mini Clear Vase for Iittala, circa 1990s
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Alvar Aalto Mini Clear Vase for Iittala, circa 1990s. The box measures: 3 7/8'' Wide by 3 5/16'' Deep by 1 3/16'' Tall.
Glass
Alvar Aalto Mini Blue Vase for Iittala, 1980s
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Alvar Aalto Mini Vase for Iittala, 1980s.
Glass
Alvar Aalto Vase / Art Object, Seinäjoki Town Hall, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Arabia
Located in Turku, Finland
Rare Vase / Art Object by Arabia Finland. Item based on an idea that the Mayor of Seinäjoki, Olavi Piha, came up with and it was executed by the model makers at the Alvar Aalto Arch...
Porcelain
Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase 3030, 1960s, Iittala Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in Turku, Finland
Vintage version of iconic Savoy Vase designed by Alvar Aalto for Iittala. Hand signed "Alvar Aalto 3030". Blown to a cast-iron mould. Normal wear o...
Blown Glass